UNESCO and Rajasthan government sign MoU for tourism promotion

Friday, September 6, 2019

On Thursday, UNESCO and the Rajasthan government joined hands for promoting music, art and craft forms, and other intangible cultural heritage of the state to prompt socio-economic growth of several artist communities.

The project to run for approximately three-and-a-half years, will be implemented in Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer and Bikaner districts, said a UNESCO official. “UNESCO India and the Rajasthan government’s tourism department today signed a partnership agreement to promote community-based responsible tourism based on the rich intangible cultural heritage of the state,” the official said.

The project will focus on cultural heritage and traditions like pottery, weaving and other crafts, along with music traditions, in order to create community-led and community-benefitting tourism opportunities.

A MoU was signed between Eric Falt, Director, UNESCO Office in New Delhi and Rajasthan’s Minister of Tourism Vishvendra Singh in Jaipur at an event held at Paryatan Bhawan.

“This agreement represents a historic moment because it is the first time we are signing such a document with an international organization. Most importantly, it will revive traditional cultural heritage and improve livelihoods,” said Minister Singh.

Rajasthan, one of the top destinations for tourists, is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Walled city of Jaipur featured on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in July.

“India is second to none when it comes to intangible cultural heritage and Rajasthan undoubtedly constitutes its number one asset. We are very pleased to sign this agreement, which aims at promoting long standing Rajasthani traditions and adding new cultural destinations for tourists to visit,” Falt said.

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