Vision Kolhapuri!

Ashish K Tiwari - Kolhapur

I had attended a number of conventions hosted in Indian metros and by now knew exactly what to expect from such events. But the recently concluded 12th Regional Convention of the Hotels & Restaurants Association Western Region HRA(WI) held at Hotel Shalini Palace in Kolhapur was a distinct experience altogether.

The first thing that caught most attendees by surprise, including me, was the convention venue. However, by the end of it everyone unanimously agreed that there could have been no better venue than Kolhapur. It was celebration time for Kolhapur hoteliers as the convention also marked Kolhapur Hotel Malak Sangh’s golden jubilee year.

Talking about the convention content, it quite jelled with the objective behind holding the event at Kolhapur. Maharaja Arvind Singhji of Mewar made a distinct start by suggesting a correction in the theme from ’royal’ to ’regal’ tourism, particularly if it has to reach to the masses. Explaining his reasons, he asserted that tourism is no more an elitist activity and that time has come for a change in the mindset/perceptions. His insightful presentation on taking it to the masses was well registered by the convention attendees, particularly the hospitality and travel fraternity from Kolhapur. One can read about the various presentations in detail in the forthcoming issue of Express Hotelier & Caterer.

What follows is a brief on some observations and potential areas the Kolhapur hotel and travel fraternity can concentrate on to promote itself primarily amongst domestic tourists. In fact, the said areas will also help attract foreign tourists if promoted in a big way.

Heritage Tourism

To start with, Kolhapur enjoys one of the prominent places in Indian history. The most important USP is its positioning as the city of his majesty, the Maharaja of Kolhapur (the direct descendent of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the social reformer Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj). The rich heritage Kolhapur has to offer tourists (both domestic and international) offers the right mix for those looking at experiencing heritage tourism.

Rajasthan is an excellent example to cite here as far as benefits derived from heritage tourism is concerned. No doubt the situations are different in Kolhapur but if intelligently packaged - Maharaja Arvind Singhji of Mewar could be approached for assistance in this direction - tourism would witness a sea change.

Religious Tourism

Though popular with the masses as a ’historic maratha dynasty’, Kolhapur also boasts of the one and only ancient Mahalaxmi Temple (Goddess of wealth and prosperity). The very existence of which is not known to many! Not only that, the temple holds equal importance as does the Tirupati Balaji Devasthanam at Renuguntha in South India. It’s a common belief that a devotee’s visit to Tirupati Balaji Devasthanam is incomplete without combining it with a visit to the Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur. Imagine the tourist inflow to Kolhapur if this fact is effectively communicated.

Agro-Rural Tourism

Agro-rural tourism is gaining popularity across the globe and is making inroads in India. And with the Indian government thinking positively in this direction and taking necessary initiatives towards creating rural tourism circuits, Kolhapur can benefit majorly by creating such concepts giving tourists a reason to visit particularly those looking at experiencing the ’real’ India.

Another area is using the city’s prominent produce ’sugar cane’ to attract tourism. Sugar cane produce plays a significant role in the city’s economy and Kolhapur jaggery is quite famous with the masses too. Setting up a museum which could take the tourists through the various facets of sugar cane processing besides showcasing the jaggery manufacturing process would certainly fancy the visitors/tourists to the city.

I was in Mauritius towards 2004 end and was told that a similar facility there is quite popular with tourists.

Cultural Tourism

Kolhapur’s cultural wealth offering various forms of arts and crafts is incomparable. Kolhapuri footwear, traditional wrestling style, various forms of self defence using a sword, bamboo stick (lathi) etc, traditional, devotional and folk music, and the very popular dance forms are just a few that come to my mind.

Taking a cue from the success of Mumbai Festival and various others held across the length and breadth of the country, the hospitality and travel fraternity there should come together and showcase these to the tourists. Planning various cultural events, food festivals, religions festivals and effectively communicating it to the domestic and international tourists will help make a lasting impact on tourism and hospitality. Setting up a calendar of such events will be a good beginning.