Maritime News India : The 2nd National Lighthouse Festival commenced with the Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024 in Puri, marking a significant step toward revitalizing India’s maritime heritage. The event was attended by over 100 participants, including government officials, tourism experts, and conservationists, all eager to explore the potential of lighthouse tourism.
Inauguration of the 2nd National Lighthouse Festival
The conclave began with a ceremonial lighting of the lamp, attended by dignitaries such as Sambit Patra, MP from Puri, Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas & Tourism. and and Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha This auspicious opening set the tone for discussions focused on leveraging lighthouse tourism to boost local economies while preserving these historic structures.
Spotlight on Heritage and Preservation
Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), delivered a compelling keynote address, emphasizing the importance of heritage preservation in tourism development. “These majestic structures, which have long guided mariners, are evolving into centers of tourism, culture, and learning,” he stated. The goal is to unlock the immense potential of India’s maritime heritage, creating vibrant spaces for community engagement.
Odisha’s Five Lighthouses: Key Attractions for Tourists
Odisha’s five heritage lighthouses—Gopalpur, Puri, Chandrabhaga, Paradip, and False Point were highlighted as key attractions for tourists. With an expected influx of over 10 lakh visitors in the 2024-25 fiscal year, these lighthouses are set to play a crucial role in the state’s tourism landscape. The development initiative aims to enhance visitor experiences while promoting cultural significance.
Transformative Vision for India’s Maritime Heritage
The conclave underscored the government’s commitment to revitalizing historic lighthouses across India, with plans to develop 75 iconic sites nationwide. With an investment of ₹60 crore, this initiative aims to provide modern amenities, including museums, amphitheaters, and parks, ensuring that these lighthouses serve as beacons of both heritage and recreation.
Economic Benefits: Job Creation and Local Growth
The economic implications of this initiative are significant. In the last fiscal year, the 75 dedicated lighthouses attracted an impressive 16 lakh visitors, leading to the creation of 150 direct and 500 indirect employment opportunities. These jobs span various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and local artisans, contributing to sustainable economic growth in the regions surrounding the lighthouses.
Engaging Discussions: Balancing Tourism with Conservation
Two panel sessions enriched the event, focusing on the dual themes of “Lighthouse Tourism and Heritage” and “Preservation and Conservation of Lighthouses.” Moderated by Gaurav Nagar, the discussions featured notable speakers like Kapil Mohan, Debasis Mishra, and Dinesh Khanna, who explored the cultural and economic significance of lighthouses. Experts emphasized the importance of balancing tourism with sustainable preservation techniques, ensuring that heritage is safeguarded even as tourism thrives.
Cultural Festivities: Celebrating Maritime Heritage
The conclave concluded with the Lighthouse Tourism Festival at Talabania Ground, where a grand cultural celebration took place. The festivities included traditional performances, beginning with an invocation dance and followed by a captivating medley of Assamese cultural showcases. The evening culminated in a special performance by renowned singer Papon, adding a vibrant musical touch to the celebration of India’s maritime heritage.
Looking Ahead: Future Initiatives in Lighthouse Tourism
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways aims to build on the momentum generated by the conclave. Future initiatives will focus on community engagement, further development of lighthouse tourism, and continued preservation of these historical landmarks. By promoting awareness of the unique blend of history and tourism that lighthouses represent, the ministry seeks to ensure their significance for future generations.
The Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024 has set the stage for a transformative approach to maritime heritage tourism in India. By emphasizing heritage preservation and economic growth, the event highlights the potential of lighthouses as vibrant tourist destinations, ensuring that they continue to illuminate the cultural landscape of the nation.
