18, July 2025

Regenerative Tourism in Delhi: Integrating Heritage Preservation with Urban Sustainability for a Resilient Future

VOLUME-8; ISSUE-7; JULY-2025

Author(s): Sakshi Sharma

Authors Affiliations:

Research Scholar, Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Delhi

DOIs:10.2018/SS/202507007     |     Paper ID: SS202507007


Abstract
Keywords
Cite this Article/Paper as
References

Urban tourism, while economically beneficial, often intensifies challenges such as overcrowding, infrastructural strain, and environmental degradation—particularly in historically rich cities like Delhi. This research explores the potential of regenerative tourism as a transformative approach to urban sustainability and heritage preservation in India’s capital. Regenerative tourism goes beyond minimizing negative impacts, actively restoring and enhancing cultural and environmental assets. Focusing on Delhi’s historical districts—especially Shahjahanabad and Lado Sarai—this study critically examines how unchecked commercialization, air pollution, and inadequate infrastructure threaten both the liveability of urban spaces and the integrity of cultural heritage.

The research adopts a qualitative methodology rooted in secondary data analysis of government reports, urban planning documents, academic literature, and case studies. Key frameworks such as the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) and its Network of Adjacent Action Situations (NAAS) are applied to understand governance complexities and stakeholder interactions in heritage management.

Findings suggest that while sustainability has long been a guiding principle, it is insufficient in the face of rapid urbanization and socio-environmental challenges. A regenerative model—integrating cultural planning, community engagement, and technology-driven urban management—offers a viable solution. The study highlights gaps in existing policies, particularly Delhi's exclusion from national programs like HRIDAY, and recommends a localized, citizen-driven approach to heritage conservation.

In conclusion, regenerative tourism emerges as a critical framework for aligning urban development with cultural resilience. This research advocates for participatory governance, data-enabled planning, and inclusive policy reform as essential steps toward shaping Delhi’s heritage zones into liveable, vibrant, and sustainable urban landscapes.

Regenerative Tourism, Heritage Preservation, Urban Regeneration

Sakshi Sharma (2025); Regenerative Tourism in Delhi: Integrating Heritage Preservation with urban sustainability for a resilient future, Shikshan Sanshodhan : Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences,      ISSN(o): 2581-6241,  Volume – 8,   Issue –  7.,  Pp. 39-42.       Available on –   https://shikshansanshodhan.researchculturesociety.org/

  1. Ayog, N. (2019). Working Group Report on Improving Heritage Management in India. NITI Ayog.
  2. Bikram Kumar Dutta, S. B. (2012). Regeneration of Heritage Urban Space of Delhi, Shahjahanabad, the Walled City. Re- Mixing the City- Towards sustainability and resilience.
  3. Chauhan, E. (2022). Decoding Collective Action Dilemmas in Historical Precincts of Delhi. Sustainability MDPI.
  4. Jigyasu, N. (2016). Regenerating Historic Urban Areas Through Sustainable Livelihoods- Problematizing Economy Within Historic Urban Areas . Creative Space by Chitkara University .
  5. (2024). KPMG. Retrieved from Urbanisation, Transport and Tourism: https://kpmg.com/ie/en/home/insights/2024/10/cop29-esg/urbanisation-transport-tourism.html
  6. Lariza Corral-Gonzalez, J. C. (2023). Regenerative Tourism: A bibliometric Analysis. Journal of Tourism, Heritage & Services Marketing.
  7. Miguel A, E. R. (2019). A heritage based method to urban regeneration in Developing countries: A case study of Luanda. Sustainability MDPI.
  8. Nilanjana D, J. L. (2024). Integrating Cultural Planning for sustainable Urban Development in Indian Cities . International Conference on Climate Change, Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Habitat.
  9. Rajabi, M. (2023). Towards a Regenerative Role of Cultural Heritage in Climate Resilience; the case of Indian Water Infrastructure heritage. MDPI.
  10. Sakshi G, N. J. (2018). Smart Regeneration of Indian Cultural Heritage: Transforming Cultural Heritage into Smart Heritage For Sustainable Development . National Conference on Smart and Sustainable Cities, 117- 128.
  11. Samirsinh P. Parmar, S. H. (2025). The making of an Unliveable Capital: Acomprehensive Study on Delhi’s Urban Issues. Journal of Environmental Sciences.
  12. Shradha C, A. K. (2019). Review of Urban Conservation Practices in Historic Cities . International Journal on Emerging Technologies.
  13. Shweta S, M. W. (2023). A Critical Analysis of the Heritage Zone of Lutyens’ Delhi in the context of MPD- 2041. Educational Administration: Theory and Practice.
  14. Somi S, N. A. (2024). Data-Driven Solutions for Revitalizing Historical Urban Areas: Case of Lado Sarai Delhi. 2nd International Conference on Sustaining Heritage: Embracing Technological Advancements (ICSH). Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
  15. Suman L, K. M. (2023). Sustainable Tourism and Residents’ Satisfaction: An Empirical Analysis of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Delhi (India). Journal of Hospitality Application and Research.
  16. Tine T, F. K. (2015). Urban Cultural Heritage in Delhi, India: An Asset for the Future or a Neglected Resource? ASIEN 134.

Download Full Paper

Download PDF No. of Downloads:12 | No. of Views: 52