Risk assessment and sustainable tourism management at sensitive world heritage sites in India
In recent decades there has been rapid growth in tourism at various cultural/ heritage destinations in India, especially the World Heritage Sites. These sites have outstanding universal value (OUV) and annually attract local as well as global travelers in millions. Tourism is beneficial in generating employment, connecting cultures, and spreading heritage awareness. However, if not properly
managed and organized, tourist flows can pose a serious risk to the conservation of cultural heritage and associated fragile environments as well as to the safety of those visiting.
Some of the negative consequences of over-tourism (excess of tourists) observed over time are overcrowding, damage to buildings, environmental degradation, disruption of lifestyle of local communities, unsatisfactory visitor experience and poor safety. This work outlines the risks to sensitive cultural heritage sites in India with high footfall and suggests sustainable measures to ensure safety of sites and visitors