As India continues to strengthen heritage-led tourism as a driver of sustainable development and economic growth, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) will organize its 15th International Heritage Tourism Conclave (IHTC) on 24 July 2026 at the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad. The conclave is being organized with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Jharkhand Tourism; Madhya Pradesh Tourism; Rajasthan Tourism and Tamil Nadu Tourism.
Organised under the theme ख़याल विरासत का (Care for Heritage), the conclave will bring together policymakers, state tourism boards, museum professionals, conservation experts, hospitality leaders, technology innovators and industry stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening India’s heritage tourism ecosystem through policy, partnerships and innovation.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, has been invited as the Chief Guest, while Shri Jupally Krishna Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism & Culture, Government of Telangana, has been invited as the Guest of Honour.
The inaugural session will also feature addresses by Mr. Suman Billa (IAS), Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Mr. L. Ranjeet Nayak (IFS), Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Telangana.
PHDCCI will be represented by Mr. Anil Parashar, Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee; Mr. Gautam Jain, Chair – Telangana Chapter; Mr. Sunil Kumar, Co-Chair – Telangana Chapter; Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee; and Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General.
The conclave will also witness the release of the PHDCCI-KPMG Report on Heritage Tourism, presenting insights into emerging trends, investment opportunities and policy recommendations for strengthening India’s heritage tourism sector.
A distinguished line-up of experts will lead four thematic knowledge sessions addressing some of the most pressing issues shaping the future of heritage tourism.
The session ‘The New Age of Museums’ will examine how museums are evolving into dynamic cultural destinations that enhance visitor engagement and strengthen destination branding. Moderated by Mr. Aalap Bansal, Partner, KPMG India, the discussion will feature Ms. Priyanka Francis (IAS), Director, Salar Jung Museum & National Gallery of Modern Art; Mr. Ajay B. Kochle, Director, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya; Ms. Kishwar Desai, Chairperson, Partition Museum; Prof. Aloka Parasher Sen, Author and Historian; Ms. Anuradha Reddy, Convenor, INTACH Hyderabad Chapter; and Ms. Shoba Rudra, Partner & Founder, RARE India.
The session ‘Food is Memory’ will explore how regional cuisines, culinary traditions and food trails can strengthen destination identity and enrich visitor experiences. Moderated by Chef Thomas Zacharias, Founder, The Locavore, the session will feature Chef Manjit Gill, President, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations; Chef Madhu W. Krishnan, President, Bocuse d'Or India; and Mr. Sanjay Thakur, Principal, Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad.
