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Chapter - V
Archeological Heritage Tourism in Hampi

- An Evaluation of Major Issues
"Conservation of historic Hampi has been underway since the end of
the 19th century, but much of the conservation work has lacked
proper sciences or documentation resulting in poor restoration. A
great deal of work at Hampi has been piece-meal in nature and each
monument has experienced a wide range of conservation techniques,
many unsuccessful (Report of Global Heritage Fund).
Introduction
World archeological heritage site, Hampi has already been projected as an

international archaeological site by UNESCO. Government of Kamataka, in
association with the Central Government, is trying to position Hampi in
international tourism market as one of the important archaeological heritage tourism
destinations of the country. But, as an international archaeological heritage tourism
destination, Hampi is facing diverse problems that require immediate attention from
the major management stake holders. In recognition of the significance of
Vijayanagara, the "Hampi Group of Monuments" was inscribed on UNESCO's
World Heritage List in the year, 1987. However, this gesture has not been effective
in removing the dangers that the site faces, in terms of unchecked development and
lack of an effective Conservation Management Plan (Vijayanagar Research
Project).' Local governance at the site has become a determining factor in the
management of the Hampi world Heritage Site and there is a corresponding focus
on community involvement in the World Heritage Management process. However
to bring these exciting ideas forward to support effective heritage site management,
required a committed collaborative effort that synergized to develop a shared and
active heritage management understanding through effective communication among
the stakeholders (Nalini M Thakur, 2007). ^
195
Tourism development at any destination has both positive and negative impacts.
The positive impacts are related to the socio cultural and economic development of
the national as well as the local society in which the destination exists. The
employment generation, foreign exchange earnings, infrastructure developments,
national integration, protection and conservation of natural and cultural resources,
economic value creation for cultural and traditions resources, revival and promotion
of deteriorating cultural resources etc are the direct positive impacts of tourism
development to an archaeological heritage tourism destination. Meanwhile, tourism
development also causes negative impacts to the society and causes deterioration
and damage for various cultural and natural resources which used as tourism
products.
The positive impacts of tourism in terms of direct benefits to the destination are
explained in the chapter IV. The negative impacts of tourism at archaeological
heritage tourism destination, Hampi have been assessed through the analysis of
primary data collected from various sources and analyzing it with the theoretical
frame work of secondary data. The personal observation and personal interview
were used as an important method for analyzing the major issues at Hampi. The
some information obtained from the tourist respondents was contradictory to the
actual situation at Hampi. So, those responses were not considered for drawing
valid inferences.
This chapter is exclusively discusses the methodology used for data analysis
followed by the analysis of the researcher about the issues of archaeological
heritage tourism development in archaeological heritage site, Hampi based on the
evaluation of various data collected from different primary sources inconformity
with the objectives of the research. The chapter has two significant parts. The first
part is dealing with the evaluation and assessment of primary data collected from
tourist respondents by administrating the questionnaire and the second part is dealt
with the evaluation made by the researcher by personal observation.
196
Methodology of Data Analysis
The major issues of archaeological heritage tourism at archaeological

heritage tourism site Hampi was obtained through different methods of data
collection. Various methods of data collection such as personal interview, personal
observation, telephonic interview and distribution of structured questionnaire
among the tourist respondents, interaction with local people and representatives of
business and service stake holders at Hampi archaeological tourism destination etc
were used. With the help of structured questionnaire administered among the
sample of tourists who visited Hampi during the period of field study was a major
source of primary data. The sample of tourist respondents consists of 24 foreign and
64 domestic tourists/visitors.
The sample was collected randomly, based on availability of the tourists at the site
and their willingness to share the required information. The data so collected was
coded, classified, and tabulated for the purpose of interpreting and drawing
inferences to develop to suggestive model to enhance the quality of archaeological
heritage tourism management at the archaeological site.
Further, the personal observation of the researcher was extensively used for
interpreting information and drawing the final conclusion of various aspects relating
to the research. The secondary data was collected from various sources to
substantiate and support the primary data in order to draw more precise conclusions.
Only Simple percentage method and weighted average measures were utilized for
interpreting the data, since most of the research objectives addressed by the
researcher use qualitative information than based on quantitative. The quantitative
data use in qualitative research, most of the times, was felt would be biased either
due to lack of knowledge or unwillingness of the respondents to respond to the
researcher.
197
The questionnaire was classified into three broad areas such as, questions relating
to the profile of the respondents to know about the pattern of tourism demand,
questions relating to respondents' motivation for selecting archaeological heritage
site Hampi as their destination, and questions relating to respondents' awareness
and their suggestions for sustainable heritage tourism development
Period of the study
The primary data was collected by administering structured questionnaire to

the tourist respondents who visited the heritage site during 15* of February 2009 to
23rd October 2009, and the secondary data from various sources was compiled for
the period 2007 to 2012.
Profile of Tourist Respondents visiting the Heritage Site, Hampi
During the process of research it was observed that the tourists visiting the
heritage site were from heterogeneous group. And for the purpose of appreciating
and analyzing their responses, the demographic factors of the respondents and their
responses towards few of the critical issues concerning the growth of archaeological
heritage tourism in archaeological heritage site is compiled, analyzed and presented
below.
Classification of tourist respondents based on gender
The attitude exhibited by the tourists at the destination greatly depends upon
their Gender. For the purpose of identifying the gender and the geographical
backgroimd of the tourists, the data was collected, and the same is summarized and
presented below in table 5.1
198
Table 5.1 - Classification of tourists based on gender
Type of tourist Male Female Total
International 18(20.45%) 06(6.81%) 24(27.27%)
Domestic 40(45.45%) 24(27.27%) 64(72.73%)
Total 58(65.90%) 30(34.09%) 88(100%)

Source: Field Survey
Note: Figures in parentliesis are %age towards total respondents
From the above table shows the demographic features of the tourist sample
collected for the analysis. From the table it becomes obvious that the sample
contains more male tourist respondents, both domestic and international, than the
female tourists. Obviously, the number of male tourists is more at the
archaeological destination, Hampi but the percentage of difference is not as per the
respondents in the sample. The nationality of the international tourist has a little
impact on evaluation of facility standards and opinion on maintenance of the in the
destination. The tourists coming from developed countries expect more facilities
and hygiene conditions than those coming from third world countries. For the
purpose of appreciating the opinions of the respondents, the geographic profile of
the foreign respondents is complied and presented in table 5.2 below
Table 5.2: Classification based on nationality of the international tourists

SI. Number of
Nationality of the Tourist
No. respondents
01 United Kingdom 7(29.16%)
02 Germany 5 (20.83%)
03 France 4(16.67%)
04 Korea 2 (8.33%)
05 USA 3 (12.5%)
06 Malaysia 2 (8.33%)
07 Hungary 1 (4.17%)
Total 24(100%)
Note: Figures in parenthesis are %age towards total respondents
199
From the above table the following can be evidenced that Hampi has been visited
by tourists from various countries, mostly from European countries. The evaluation
of the nationality of the sample of international tourists consists of tourist
participation from UK is more than that of France and Germany. Germany has
surpassed France (though marginally).
The other important fact to observe is that many tourists from third world countries,
especially South East Asian countries such as Malaysia are visiting their
neighboring countries which promote Intra regional tourism activities. Tourists
from the Asian region travel around their boarders, which is one of the very good
signs for regional growth of international tourism and will promote regional peace
and economic prosperity.
The Visa on arrival facility extended by Indian government for the neighboring
countries would be the reason for intra regional tourism trend in India. The major
reason for evaluating the nationality and region of the tourist profile in assessing the
impact of archaeological heritage tourism is that the capability of tourists for
understanding and appreciation of the local traditions and culture depends on the
similarity between socio cultural back ground of the guest and host community.
Tourists from the same region might share common culture and ethnicity may better
understand and appreciate the culture of the destination.
The cultural impact of tourism development is depending upon the degree of

cultural deference between the guest and host population. The cultural and social
tolerance level of the tourists and the local community is determined by the cultural
disparity level of both the guests and the hosts. The tourists coming from
neighboring countries are more tolerant to Indian culture rather than tourists come
from far away countries. So, adequate steps to be taken to avoid cultural friction
between guests and host community by educating the tourists about the culture of
the destination and orienting them to behave and respect as per the culture and
200
traditions of the host country to ensure sustainable tourism development. The
nationality of the tourist sample visited Hampi has been summarized and presented
in graph 5.1 below.
Figure 5.1: Geographic classification of International Tourists
• United Kingdom • Germany £ France • Korea • USA • Malaysia Hungary

],4% )
2, 8 % ^ ^ ^ ^ 7,29%
3,13%
8% I^H
^fl
^^^^^^k
1
4,17%—-^ ' ^ ^ g j M ^—-~_5,21%
Source: Primary data
Age wise classification of domestic and international tourist respondents
The age is an important demographic determinant for tourism motivation and

influencing factor for selecting a destination. Majority of the international tourist
respondents were from European countries which are far away from India. So, the
influence of age of tourists on choosing a destination is to be analysed which would
help for planning for various facilities and activities at the destination.
201
Table -5.3: Age wise classification of both domestic and international tourist
respondents
International tourist Domestic tourists
SI. Age group Number of Percentage Number of Percentage
No respondents respondents
01 15-25 02 08.33% 13 20.31%
02 25-35 02 08.33% 23 35.93%
03 35-45 08 33.34% 12 18.76%
04 45-55 09 37.50% 09 14.06%
05 55 and above 03 12.5% 07 10.94%
Total 24 100% 64 100%
The table shows that majority of the international tourists who prefer archaeological
heritage tourism destination, Hampi as their international tourism destination come
under the age group between 45-55 (37.50%) and 35-45 (33.34%) age group
categories. Senior citizens above 55 years of age and youth bellow 25 years of age
give least preference to Hampi. Mean while, the domestic tourism scenario at
Hampi, shows that youth between the age group of 25-35 (35.93%) and 35-45
(18.76%) prefer Hampi as their destination. The age group of 15-25 also prefers to
visit heritage destination, Hampi.
The age wise pattern of the distribution of domestic and international tourists varies
at the archaeological heritage tourism destination Hampi. Most of the foreign
tourists of the sample were middle aged but domestic tourists' age distribution
shows an inclination towards youth. This might be because of economic, education
and distance factors. Foreign tourists who come from far away countries need
economic and educational back up to visit faraway countries. Usually, the middle
aged people have more purchasing power and education and they move with family.
But, it is observed that most of the domestic tourists who visit an archaeological
destination for leisure activities rather than heritage education. Foreign tourists
usually move inside the site with tourist guide books and avail the services of the
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tourist guides. But most of the domestic tourist move inside the destination without
prior preparation.
A. Evaluation of the data collected from the tourist respondents

The information collected from both domestic and international tourists through
circulating questionnaire for answering the research questions in conformity with
the objectives of the research are analyzed below. The meaningful inferences drawn
from the analysis are treated as findings of the study.
01. Knowledge about Hampi prior to the visit
This question was asked to know about the pre-preparedness of the tourists who
visit the archaeological heritage tourism destination, Hampi. It is believed that
awareness and knowledge about the destination will help the tourists for better
understanding of the destination. There is dramatic difference between the behavior
of casual and serious visitors at an archaeological heritage destination. The serious
and focused tourists always appreciate the culture and shall be responsible towards
the destination. In this background the knowledge of tourists about archaeological
heritage destination Hampi prior to the visit was analyzed and which is detailed in
the table -5.4 given below.
Table -- 5.4: Knowledge about Hampi prior to the visit
Number of
Responses
Respondents
Yes 72(81.82%)
No 16(18.18%)
Total 88(100%)
Note: Figures in parenthesis are % towards total respondents
The above table reveals that larger section (81.82%) of the tourists carry prior
information regarding the site. A few of the tourists (18.18%)) are casual visitors just
like walk in tourists/visitors.
203
The basic awareness and preparedness before visiting a destination, especially
archaeological heritage destination, certainly help the tourists to get better
understanding and visitor experience at the destination. The tourists who visit a
archaeological heritage destination considering it as leisure spot typically create
more negative impacts to the destination and its socio cultural and heritage values.
This is indicative about the failure on the part of the agents in promoting and
creating rational knowledge among the tourist visiting the site.
02. Knowledge of Culture and History of the destination before the visit
This question was asked to the tourists who already knew about Hampi prior to their
visit. The question is little deeper to analyze the level of their knowledge about the
history, culture and social system of the destination visited. This preparatory study
of the tourists helps them to understand and assimilate the culture and historic
values of the destination during the visit. An educated tourist creates very less
negative impacts to an archaeological heritage destination. The response would help
the researcher to understand the mode of tourist behavior and subsequent impacts
on the archaeological destination. A well studied tourist usually makes less negative
impacts at the destination. Furthermore, it also reveals the effectiveness of various
information sources available to the potential tourists about the destination.
For the purpose of understanding and appreciating the same, the respondents were
asked to respond towards their knowledge about the regional values and traditions
before their visit to Hampi, their responses are summarized and presented below in
table - 5.5 and table 5.6 below, followed by a brief analysis.
Table - 5.5: Knowledge of Culture and History of Hampi

Number of
Responses
Respondents
Yes 50 (69.44%)
No 22 (30.56%)
Total 72(100%)
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From the above table it becomes very obvious that the tourists (81.82%) who knew
about the archaeological heritage tourism destination, Hampi, prior to their arrival,
69.44% of the respondents possessed knowledge regarding the cultural and history
of Hampi prior to their visit and 30.56% did not study about the destination even if
they knew about the destination prior to their visit. This indicates that the
evaluation of the respondents towards the destination could be considered more
rational. Further, to evaluate the source of their knowledge, the responses so
obtained are summarized and presented in table - 5.6 followed a brief evaluation.
Table 5.6 Sources of pre-visit knowledge about the destination
Number of
Source of knowledge
Respondents
From books and journals 29(58%)
From websites 14(28%)
Orientation by the tour operator 05(10%)
From information desk 02(04%)
Total 50(100%)
The above table reads that, majority of the tourist (58%)) who have collected
information about the archaeological heritage destination, Hampi, identify books
and journal as major source of information for acquainting knowledge towards the
archeological heritage site followed by other group of respondents (28%) who opine
that web resources are most credible and informative sources as they create virtual
environment for the tourists by providing access to rich information resources that
are maintained by various organizations including the Department of tourism and
other service providers. A small section of the tourists (10%) also opine that the
important source for them to understand the cultural and historical information of
the destination was the orientation given by the tour operators and 4% of the
respondents were informed by the tourism information office at Hospet and Hampi.
205
Most of the tourists prefer printed information such as books, journals, guide books,
brochures etc for collecting information about the destination. Well organized
Websites are also a source of information for many tourists. The performance of the
tour operators and tourism information office in disseminating heritage and cultural
education and awareness about the destination is very less. The tour operators are
not providing adequate orientation programme for the tourists. 43% of the tourists
who visited Hampi did not have knowledge about the culture and traditions of the
destination. They solely depend only on their visit to the destination to gather
information. The knowledge about the culture, traditions, values, social ethics,
history, climatic condition, etc are very much significant to understand and
appreciate the heritage and cultural values of the destination by visitation. So, the
tourists may collect information about the destination from various sources before
visiting the site. If the visit is a part of a package tour, then the tour operators are
expected to give an orientation about the culture and history of the destination prior
to visit the site.
03. Service of a professional tour guide at archaeological heritage tourism
destination, Hampi
Further, it is then that the tourist would seek services of a tourist guide when at the
site for understanding the values and the richness of the heritage site, in this
background the respondents were asked to respond if they seek any services of
professional tour guide during their visit and their response is summarized and
presented in table 5.7 below followed by a brief evaluation.
Table - 5.7: Services of professional tour juide at Heritage site, Hampi
Responses Number of
Respondents
Yes 20 (22.73%)
No 68(77.27%
Total 88(100%)
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From the above table it becomes very obvious that, majority of the respondents
{1121%) did not avail the services of the professional guides at the site.
Tourist guides are the most significant source of information about the heritage and
historic values of every archaeological tourism destination. It is also a source for
local employment too. Majority of the tourists do not use the service of the tourist
guides for better interpretation of the destination that makes the tourists to create
their own perceptions and knowledge about the destination. This kind of personal
observation has lots of limitations. The reason for not using the service of a guide
might be because of unorganized visitor management system existing at the
destination.
04. Quality of service entailed by the tourist guides at Hampi
Further to comprehend the same, those who were utilizing the services of the
professional guides at the site, the respondents were asked to respond towards the
level of service quality entailed by them, and the same is summarized and presented
in table - 5.8 below, followed by a brief evaluation.
Table - 5.8: Quality of Services entailed by the tourist guides at Hampi.
Responses Number of
Respondents
Excellent 00
Good 20
(22.72%)
Average 00
Poor 00
Total 20
Note: Figures in parenthesis are % towards total respondents, i.e. 88
From the above table it is evidential that none of the tourists who availed the
services of the guides at the site find them to be excellent, and all the respondents
who ever availed the services of the guide find them just to be good (22.72%).
This is due to their experience for a number of years in guiding, this is also
indicative that none of them carry any professional expertise how to handle the
tourists. Further, this is also indicative them necessary steps are required to be
207
initiated to educate all the existing guides to handle their services to the tourists
more professionally. On the other hand, the tourists should also be promoted to
utilize the services of the guides as it becomes very essential for the tourists to avail
their services, which can help them to have a good insight and understand the
historical, cultural and rich ethnical values of the archeological heritage site.
05. Infrastructure and its role in delivering expected utilities to the tourists at
the archeological heritage site, Hampi
With an objective of appreciating the existing infrastructure and its role in

promoting tourism development at Hampi, certain questions were asked to the
tourists respondents. In this background, the respondents were asked to respond to
few of the issues appreciating the level of infrastructure facilities, their utilization,
barriers etc. and opinion towards the steps initiated towards protection of the rich
heritage resources at the site, the responses so obtained are, summarized, analyzed
and presented below.
Transportation Facilities availed at the destination
Mobility and accessibility to the transportation facilities are always considered very
vital for attracting tourists towards tourism destinations. In this background, the
tourists were asked to respond to the nature of transportation facilities utilized for
their movement to the archaeological heritage site, Hampi. Their responses are
summarized and presented below in table 5.9below followed a brief evaluation.
Table - 5.9: Transportation facilities availed at Hampi
Mode of Transportation Number of
Respondents
Taxi 24 (27.27%)
Bus 00(0.00%)
Personal Vehicle 24(27.27%)
Auto rickshaw, hired motor 40(45.45%)
bikes and bicycles
Total 88(100%)
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From the above table it can be evidenced that, majority of the respondents (45.45%)
utilize the services of the local transport facilities such as auto rickshaws, hired
motor bikes, bicycles and battery powered vehicles for their mobility within the site.
27.27% of the people use taxi and their personal vehicle to move within the
archaeological site.
The information indicates that the visitors to the place and their utilization of the
local transportation facilities in turn is generating employment to the local people
and providing for regional growth. And hence most of the tourists either use their
personal vehicle and taxies to reach the site. This calls for developing the required
logistics to promote development of tourism activities at the heritage site.
06. Opinion about the measures taken for protection of the heritage properties
The protection and conservation of various archaeological heritage resources are
compulsory for a sustainable development of archaeological heritage tourism at the
destination. Tourism development and archaeological heritage protection are
complementary each other. As the major consumers of the archaeological heritage
resources, the tourist respondents were asked about their satisfaction towards the
measures taken by the heritage management authorities for the protection and
conservation of the archaeological heritage resources. The very purpose tourist
visiting the site is to study the historical and cultural values of the site.
In this background, the respondents were asked to respond towards their experience
at the site and their responses are analyzed, summarized and presented in tables
below, followed by a brief analysis.
Checking on their opinion towards measures initiated for protecting the rich
heritage of Hampi, is found (table - 5.10) that, fair number of respondent (72.73%)
feel that the steps initiated for protecting the richness of the site is satisfactory, on
the other hand, a fair number of tourists (27.27%) also feel that there a number of
steps fiirther required to be initiated for protecting these resources in the long run,
for descending them to the future generations.
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Table - 5.10; Measures initiated for protecting the destination is satisfactory
Number of
Responses
Respondents
Yes 64(72.73%)
No 24 (27.27%)
Total 88(100%)
Further, checking on the level of satisfaction towards measure to conserve and
protect the destination, the respondents' opinion so obtained is presented in table -
5.11 followed by a brief analysis.
Table - 5.11: Satisfaction towards measures for preserving and conserving the
resources at the des tination
Number of
Response
Respondents
Excellent 04(4.5%)
Good 64(72.73%)
Average 20(22.72%)
Poor 00(0.00%)
Total 88(100%)
From the above table it becomes evidential that, majority of the respondents either
feel the measures initiated for protecting the archaeological heritage richness at the
heritage site are good (72.72%) or average (22.72%).
It indicates that the measures so initiated is not very efficient in conserving the rich
values of the heritage site, and a number of strategic steps have to be initiated to
protect, conserve and provide long term sustainable growth at the heritage site.
Continuing with this it becomes very much essential to understand the optimal
carrying capacity at heritage site, this is required as most of the times, lack of
proper assessment of an optimal carrying capacity at the destination can lead to
poor management of resources leading to destruction of core values at the site. For
assessing the opinion of the tourists towards their experience on management of
optimal carrying capacity at the site, were sought and the same is summarized and
presented in table - 5.12 below followed by a brief analysis.
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Table - 5.12: ASI and Tourism Development authority maintains Optimal
Carrying Capacity at Hampi.
Number of
Responses
Respondents
Yes 40 (45.45%)
No 48(54.55%)
Total 88(100%)
From the above table it is very obvious, that there has been a failure on the part of
the authorities to measure and determine the optimal carrying capacity at the site
(54.55%)), that can ensure necessary protection of resources, at the same time it
becomes very much necessary for determining the development activities at these
sites which will have to ensure that all the resources at these sites are employed for
generating economic benefits, which in turn will have to provide for sustained
regional growth. On the other hand, development of tourism activities should not be
at the cost of destructing the archeological and historical values of the site, which is
opined for other section of tourist respondents (45.45%). Determination of the
carrying capacity (optimal) will also help in development of all other infrastructure
essential for extending protection to both the visitors as well as the monuments. In
this background, the respondents opinion towards safety and security measures at
the tourism site was compiled for analyzing their efficiency, which is summarized
and presented below in table - 5.13 below, followed by a brief analysis.
Table - 5.13; Satisfaction towards Safety and security measures at Hampi

Number of
Response
Respondents
Excellent 04(4.5%)
Good 60(68.18%)
Average 20(22.72%)
Poor 04(4.5%)
Total 88(100%)
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From the above table it can evidenced that, a large section of tourists visiting Hampi
find that the existing safety and security measure are just good (68.18%) and a fair
section of tourists opine that measure to ensure security for the tourists and the
monument (heritage resources) are average and other 4.5% feel that it is very poor.
This calls for development of effective and efficient infrastructure (legal) to ensure
that the heritage resources as monitored, maintained and protected from the
mismanagement by the visitors, at the same time they are also ensured on necessary
safety during their stay at the destination.
Further, for any development activities to be successful it is deemed that
participation of local communities, social organizations, NGOs are very essential.
To understand the opinion of the tourists towards the same, their responses were
collected, which is summarized and presented in table 5.11 below, followed by a
brief analysis
Table - 5.14: Need for Participation of Social organizations/Community

Centers, NGOs in tourism development at Hampi.
Responses Local community NGOs
Yes 86 (97.72%) 84(95.45%)
No 02(02.28%) 04(04.550%)
Total 88(100%) 88(100%)
From the above table it is very much evidential that majority of the respondents,
97.72% and 95.45%), opine that there has to be active involvement of local
communities and the NGOs in promoting development activities at the site, as they
are the one who can act as integrating units between the policy makers and the local
people, which in turn help in synergizing all the activities ensuring long term
sustained regional growth, creating both economic and social value to both the
authorities and the local residents at the heritage site. Further, these organizations
will also have to be taking up necessary measure to ensure that the heritage
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resources are protect and kept intact for transcending the same to future generations.
The responsibilities towards protection of the monuments cannot be taken up solely
by the government or the tourism development authorities and it may be shared
among the local people.
07. Impact of tourism development on local culture and traditions
It is greatly argued that un-sustained growth of tourism activities at the

archaeological heritage tourism destination, especially lack of preference by the
tourists to adapt to the cultural values at the local community always leads to
adverse impact on the local culture and leading to conflict between the local people
and the tourists. It results towards creation of animosity environment at the
destination. In this background, the respondent-tourists were asked about their
responses towards adaption of local culture, tradition and local dressings while
visiting the archaeological heritage tourism destination. The responses obtained
from the respondent-tourists are summarized and presented below in table - 5.15,
followed by brief analysis
Table - 5.15: Tourists response towards local culture, tradition and dressings.
Respect towards local culture Respondents Preferences about
and tradition Local Dress
Number of Response Number of
Response
Respondents Respondents
Yes 88(100%) Yes 56 (63.64%)
No 00 No 32 (36.36%)
Total 88 (100%) Total 88(100%)
From the above table it is very obvious that, all the tourist respond carry a high
degree of respect and regard towards the culture and tradition at the destination,
which they are feel that is the important factor that drives them towards the site for
studying and understanding its richness. At the same time, a larger section (63.64%)
of the tourists also feels it is very necessary for them to adapt to the local dressing
213
during their stay at the destination. Meanwhile, 36.36% tourist respondents believe
that the tourists need not to adapt the local dressing, cuisine and culture at the
destination.
This is because, they do not want to infuse the destination culture values into them,
rather only to study them, and for doing so it is not necessary for them to adopt
them into their life style. On the other hand, to address to the argument that the
dressing and linguistics of the tourists affect the local culture is only fiduciary, as
the local resources will have to necessarily protect their value systems and sustain
them within as easy influence of foreign culture on them instead of questioning to
the very credibility of the social system in place.
Further, it is also required for understanding the behaviour of the tourists at the
destination before we can generalize the opinion towards the influence of tourism
activities on the local culture. In this background, the respondents were asked to
respond towards their experience of the fellow tourists at the destination, and their
responses so obtained are summarized and presented below in table - 5.16,
followed by a brief analysis
Table - 5.16: Behavior of the fellow tourists at the destination.
Response Number of Respondents
Excellent 04(4.5%)
Good 44(50%)
Average 36(40.91%)
Poor 04(4.5%)
Total 88(100%)
From the above table, it is evidenced that where 50% of the tourist find that the
behaviour of their fellow tourists are good, other 40.91% of the tourists find it to be
average.
This is especially due to the attitudinal difference that lies among diverse group of
tourists visiting the destination. The cultural difference is another major
contributing factor, as what is acceptable and appreciated in one culture is
commended by other, due to the cultural dynamics that exists in different
214
destinations. Hence, this demands for proper orientation to the tourists before they
visit the destination, which can help them in avoiding any kind of probable cultural
distortion that they might get exposed to. Further, checking for the opinion towards
the measures initiated for controlling the behaviors of the tourists at the site, the
tourists responded with their opinions which is summarized and presented below in
table -5.17 followed by a brief analysis
Table - 5.17: Controlling measures for managing Tourist behavior at the

destination
Response Number of Respondents
Excellent 04(4.55%)
Good 40(45.45%)
Average 32(36.36%)
Poor 12(13.64%)
Total 88(100%)
From the above table it becomes very obvious that, where 40 (45.45%) of tourists
find the control measures to be good, and only a meager 4.55% (4) find it to be
excellent other 36.36% (32) of tourists find it to be average and 13.64% (12) are
finding it to be poor.
The measures that are initiated to control the behaviour of the tourists at the
destination is not found very sound as the management authorities are not in a
position to check on their behaviour and the movements at the destination. Usually
the tourists always intend to see that they are not monitored or controlled too much,
which could cause them to lose their independence. Further, imposing stringent
barriers at the destination can even jeopardize the interest of the stake holders as
most the times the tourist when exposed to very stringent norms can even lose
interest to visit such destination again might also pass negative message to the
fiiture potential tourists. Despite of these there are necessary or mandate
requirements to protect the interest of the local people and avoid any kind of
communal disharmony and create animosity in the environment. In light of
encroachments by a number of religious groups at the heritage site which hamper
215
the religious and communal harmony at the destination. In this background to check
on the efficiency of the authorities in developing measures to protect the regional
interests and communal harmony at the destination information was collected from
the tourists on assessing the satisfaction towards the measures initiated for
protecting the community and religious harmony at the site, the tourists responses
was compiled and presented below in table 5.18, followed by a brief analysis
Table - 5.18: Measures initiated towards protection of communal and religious
harmony at the heritage site
Number of
Responses
Respondents
Yes 76 (86.36%)
No 12(13.64%)
Total 88 (100%)
From the above table it can be evidenced that the measures initiated by the
authorities are found more than satisfactory as majority of the respondents i.e.
86.36% of the respondents are finding the measures initiated for protecting the
communal and religious harmony satisfactory, and a small portion of them i.e.
13.64% feel that some amount of conflicting interests are always observed.
Most of the times any development measures initiated at the site are perceived
against the interest of one group of people leading to unrest and conflicts. Hence it
becomes essential for the authorities to involve all the groups/representatives in the
decision making process so that it can ensure them to create harmony among all
groups of stakeholders at the site, belonging to divers sections of the society.
OS.Amenities and facilities extended to the tourists

Development of primary infrastructure like accommodation, transport facilities,
boarding facilities (access to diverse cuisines), maintenance of hygiene, protecting
the service standards at the site, environment protection measures etc. the
respondents were requested to respond with their opinion towards the level of
216
efficiency they realized during their visit or service encounter at the site, which is
summarized and presented in table 5.19 below, followed by a brief analysis
Table - 5.19: Evaluation of facilities and re'Sources at the heritage site, Hampi
and realized efj Iciency
Weighted
SI. Weighted
Factors Evaluated Excellent Good Average Poor Average
No Values
Mean
Cleanliness and
maintenance of 12 34 36 6
01 134 1.52
hygiene at the (13.63%) (38.63%) (40.91%) (6.81%)
heritage Site
Measure for ensuring
6 38 27 17
02 the service standards 104 1.18
(6.81%) (43.18%) (30.68%) (19.31%)
at the heritage Site
Environmental
4 44 32 8
03 protection measures at 124 1.41
(4.54%) (50.00%) (36.36%) (9.09%)
the heritage Site
Efforts for promoting
research and 0 44 36 8
04 116 1.32
education at the (0.00%) (50.00%) (40.91%) (9.09%)
heritage Site
Tourism Information
cell as a measure for
6 40 24 18
05 promoting the rich 104 1.18
(6.81%) (45.45%) (27.27%) (20.54%)
values at the heritage
Site
Weights Assigned: Excellent= 3 , Good = 2, Average = 1, Poor = -1
Though the above table is self explanatory the following evaluation becomes very
essential;
01. Looking at the cleanliness at maintenance of hygiene at the heritage site, it

can be observed that a larger section of tourists i.e. 40.91% of them find it
below satisfactory or average, and the other 38.63% find it to be satisfactory
or good, and a fair number of tourists also find to be excellent. This diverse
opinions is as an extension as was observed during the survey that those
tourists who were coming from the higher economic class preferred to stay in
217
high end accommodation and utilized quality services and those who were
coming from the lower strata were finding the quality of the service below
mediocre level, with an weighted average score of 1.52 we can conclude that
the cleanliness and hygiene maintained at Hampi is Good. In extension to
this argument we can also find that when measuring the service standards at
the heritage Site, 43.18% find the services quality good, 30.68% find it to be
below satisfactory levels or average and an alarming 19.31% find it to be
very poor indicating lack of professionalism in the services extended at the
heritage site, and demanding immediate steps to providing necessary training
to the existing staff at the heritage site and appointing professional experts to
promote and handle the tourists effectively, which is also supported by the
fmding that with a weighted average score of mere 1.18 (approximately
equal to 1) can be concluded that the quality of the services is bad.
02. Looking at the environment protection measures for protecting the rich
resources (natural resources, heritage resources, ecological resources), 50%
of the respondents finds it to be satisfactory or good, the other major section
of the tourists i.e. 36.36% find to be below satisfactory or average and
another 9.09% fmd it to be bad, indicating the need for immediate measures
to orient the tourists and the local agencies to protect the rich resources to the
future generations to come (when checked on the opinion of the visitors all
the tourists i.e. 100% opine that there is a earnest need for protecting the rich
resources for the future generations). A very meager number of tourists i.e.
4.54% find it to be satisfactory. With a weighted average mean score of 1.41
(being less than 1.5) it can concluded that majority of the respondents fmd
the measures initiated for protection of the environment below satisfactory or
average, especially by those tourist who carry a high perceptions towards a
world archeological heritage site as per the standards set by UNESCO, and
find that the standards maintained at Hampi is no where matching to the
standards set by UNESCO.
218
03. Further, for any tourism destination to develop and prosper, necessary steps
are required to promote, educate and orient the tourists towards the
destination, which can enhance the visiting rate at a tourism site. Looking at
the efforts of the development authorities to promote research and educate
the tourists in undertaking travel at the heritage site, 50% of the tourists find
it satisfactory, and other 50% of the tourists find it below satisfactory or very
poor. Which most of the times is hindering the promotional efforts of the
heritage site (with an weighted average mean score of 1.32 (less than 1.5) is
concluded as average or below satisfactory) and checking on the efforts of
the tourism information cell due to lack of professional experts is
experienced to be having diverse perception of the tourists. Where 6.81%
find it to be excellent or above satisfactory levels, 45.45% find it
satisfactory, and 27.27% find it to be below satisfactory or average. At the
same time an alarming 20.54% of the tourist find it very poor as most of the
time the staff operating in the site are not find to have any inclination
towards developing, protecting and conserving the rich heritage resources at
the site. With a weighted average score of 1.18 (less than 1.5) it can be
concluded that the role of information cell at Hampi is average or below
satisfactory levels.
09. Perceptions towards tourism development at the Heritage Site
Development of positive perceptions towards the need for development and

sustenance of the heritage site is very essential. In this background the respondents
were asked to respond with their opinions towards a few of the aspects that are
essential for development, management and sustenance of tourism development at
the heritage site, and the responses so obtained are complied, summarized and
presented below in table 5.20 below followed by a brief evaluation
219
Table - 5.20: Perception towards tourism development at archeological
heritage site, Hampi.
^••-••'.i^-
«'>t#t#% m'. "Itat^
Sim M ^
01 Steps for Conserving, protecting and 32 (36.36%) 56 (63.64%)
preserving the heritage resources are
satisfactory
02 Heritage resources will have to be 88 (100%)
considered as national wealth rather
than the regional wealth
03 Measure have to be initiated for 88 (100%) 0
development of responsible tourism
04 Development of code of conduct at 84 (94.45%) 4 (04.54%)
the tourism destinations very
essential for protecting the
monuments from vandalism
05 Sustainable tourism practices will 80 (90.90%) 8 (09.09%)
require development of strong rules
and regulations
From the above table following becomes very obvious;

01. The steps initiated for conserving, protecting and preserving the rich heritage
resources are found not to be very satisfactory. Majority of the tourists i.e.
63.64% feel that the though the efforts are initiated the application of the
same remain in nascent, lack of intuitive behaviour of the policy makers,
local communities and the tourists towards protecting the rich heritage
resources can be evidenced at the heritage site, Hampi. This creates a need
for bringing in effective implementation which requires integration of all the
stake holders and their attitude towards one and only objective i.e. protect
and preserve the rich heritage monuments for future generations to come and
transcend them, protect them and promote them as national wealth rather
than regional wealth (where all the respondents - tourists i.e. 100% of them
exhibit a unanimous opinion).
220
02. The other important measure that requires to be initiated is development of
concept of responsible tourism, which emphasizes on making each and every
stake holder accountable for protecting the rich and invaluable heritage
resources, and only realize the required economic benefits for their survival
and sustain them and protect them intact for generation the future
generations where all the respondents - tourists i.e. 100% of them exhibit a
unanimous opinion).
03. Sustainable tourism practices fiirther demands for development of strong
rules and regulations, that can help the authorities to develop a code of
conduct at the tourism destinations which can ensure them with all necessary
measures to protect the monuments from vandalism due to unsustainable
carrying capacity at the heritage site. Estimation of optimal capacity at the
heritage site and development of effective control measures will only ensure
that sustainable growth is attained at the heritage site, Hampi
B. Major Issues related to archaeological heritage tourism development at

Hampi
The researcher has visited Archaeological heritage site, Hampi with a
photographer who interpreted certain information given by the representative of the
local population who were knowing only their mother tongue, Kannada, in which
the researcher was not very much comfortable with. In each visit, one schedule and
check list was prepared to evaluate and enter the information required for the
research. Photographs were taken to support the observations. The following
fmdings were drawn from the personal observation and interview with the
representatives of various management stake holders of archaeological heritage
tourism destination, Hampi.
The major issues of Hampi archeological heritage tourism destination can be
broadly classified in to three categories such as management of archaeological
heritage resource related issues, archaeological heritage tourism related issues and
221
issues faced by the local population due to archaeological heritage tourism
development.
a. Issues related to archaeological heritage protection and conservation

Archaeological sites and historical places are unique and irreplaceable. Destruction
of a site is permanent and irreversible. It is important to remember that sites are
fragile and vulnerable to exposure to elements, looting, and irresponsible/
unrestricted tourism.
1. One of the most crucial issues faced by the archaeological heritage
destination Hampi is the destruction, damage and defacing of invaluable
archeological resources which are very difficult to regenerate or renovate for
preserving for the use of future generation. The constructions and
developments which are taking place in the name of tourist infrastructure and
superstructure development at places like Virupaura Gadda, Hampi Bazaar
etc damage the heritage resources. People are staying in many mandapas in
the Hampi bazaar, among them only 38 people have ownership and 118
people are occupying the mantapas unauthorized. 17 unauthorized huts on
the bank of the river, residential extension works of mandapas in which
people live and the facilitation activities at Hampi bazaar during Hampi
Utsav and during other festivals also create pressure to the archaeological
heritage resources of Hampi. In the unguarded monuments are vandalized by
the tourists and local people for undesired practices destruct the site and
tourists do graffiti, defacing, climbing over the monuments such as Vilttla
stone chariot, beating on the musical pillars at Vijaya Vittala temple, walking
away from the pedestal path, encroaching to the Lotus Mahal etc causes
threat to the monumental resources of Hampi.
2. This is happening due to lack of a sound legal frame work, lack of visitor
management system and appointment of unskilled and non professional
monument guards and monument attendants who have less morale and
222
responsibility to protect and conserve the monuments. They are neither
properly empowered with adequate authority nor supported with equipments
other than a stick. They shall be empowered by providing with wireless
telephone sets, neat and clean uniforms and a small chamber were they can
be able the beat the scorching sun during summer season. Most of the
monuments are unattended by the under recruited monument guards and
monument attendants. The heritage protection mechanism existing at Hampi
is unscientific and non professional.
3. Many significant portions of the Hampi archaeological heritage site is
illegally occupied, encroached and damaged by certain Math's such as the
Matanga Hill, Krishna Bazaar, Hemkunta hill (Gayathri Peetha Matha) etc
causes serious problems to the protection of the monument. It is known to
the heritage management authorities and happening under their nose but
appropriate and strategic decision is not taken by the authorities. Huge
number of devotees gathered here on every day bass which destroy the
sanctity of the site. So the authorities should relocate this maths by
respecting their identity with out causing much social problems.
4. The resurrection, renovation and protection measures adopted for preserving
the damaging and deteriorating monuments and archaeological resources at
Hampi are inadequate, unscientific and not meticulous. ASI is in charge of
the protection and preservation of the archaeological resources of the site.
The interview with Mr. Suresh, Assistant Conservationist, ASI, Kammalapur
reveals that around 56 monuments which are protected at Hampi are being
repaired through special and annual repair schemes of ASI with guidance
and expertise fi-om the UNESCO but the fund allocation is inadequate to
carry out an extensive and professional preservation. The 20 monument
attendants, 30 SIS security guards and around 300 daily wage workers are
insufficient to take care of the protection and conservation of the
monuments.
223
5. The financial budgetary allocation for the maintance, renovation and
protection of the archaeological resources are inadequate. So, the ASI should
find out ahemative arrangements to generate fund for the protection of the
archaeological resources. The major chunk of the allocation of funds for the
protection of Hampi is handled by the HWHMA and that fund is being
utilized for the implementation of the recommendations of the Hampi Master
plan 2021 covering the over all area of Hampi. The management of Hampi as
a archaeological heritage tourism destination has many components such as
ASI, KSTDC, Department of Tourism, HWHADA, State Archaeological
Department, NGOs, Zilla and Village Panchayaths, State Police and security
systems as explained in the previous chapter and each management
component has its own role to play for the sustainable development of
hampi. Therefore, financial assistance should be extended to all the
management stake holders as required. But exclusive allocation for the
conservation and preservation of monuments should reach in hands of ASI
since it is the duty and responsibility of ASI to protect and conserve the
monuments. The details of the fund allocation were not available for public
reference since the plan is in pipe line. Rs 18.5 crore has been sanctioned by
the central government for rehabilitating the evacuated local people from
Hampi. It is so surprising information that Rs. 35 crore is spent every year in
Hampi for various festival celebrations from state exchequer but financial
allocation for protection and conservation of monuments from the state
budget is very meager. The archaeological heritage , Hampi is an asset and
matter of pride to the state hence it is the duty and responsibility of the
government to protect and conserve the invaluable archaeological asset from
destruction and damage.
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b. Issues related to human resources management
The human resource requirements for the proper management of archaeological
heritage site and tourism development and the actual availability of the manpower
at the heritage destination are not matching.
1. All the areas of archaeological heritage management and tourism
development authorities are understaffed, untrained and non professional.
The 60 monuments are supervised by 20 monument attendants and 30
security guards who are not trained well to deal with the tourists and they
have language barrier to interact with the foreign tourists. Other than the
monument attendants and security guards, ASI, Kamalapur has one
conservationist, Assistant Conservationist, Surveyor and one office assistant
to take care of the archaeological resources of Hampi. Apart from the Hampi
archaeological site, they take care of the archaeological museum at
Kamalapur too.
2. Department of Tourism, Regional Office, Hospet is headed by the Mr. Raju,
Assistant Director (not from tourism discipline) and the office is managed by
one office assistant and attender. This department is taking care of all the
tourism activities related to infrastructure requirements of the tourists who
visit the Bellary district. Apart from the regular staff, 47 tourist guides are
also working on temporary basis. Tourist guides, as per the records of
department of tourism, Hospet, working at Hampi archaeological heritage
tourism destination are either under educated (only two are having tourism
PG Diploma qualification) or not trained and even not professional. All of
them are facing the problem of seasonality of job and non permanency. The
president of Hampi Tourist Guides Association, Hanumantha Reddy
revealed during the interview that that the government is not assuring
permanency for their job even though they are working there for the last
many years witch causes high level of attrition among the tourist guides.
Many of them are holding an expired license and the government has not
225
taken any action to validate their guiding licenses. The government has not
offered even basic facilities to the guides such as an office, bathroom and
toilets, torch, lacer pointers, color mike, uniform etc which are very much
required for better communication.
3. Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority is also an understaffed
organization taking care of the developmental aspects of the heritage region,
managed by the Mr. Keeregowda, Commissioner, HDA with a working
strength of 12 including an account office, an architect, a surveyor, an
archaeologist, a structural engineer, a town planner, a project manager, a
supervisor and a computer operator. The government has sanctioned 27 posts
and recruitment process is in pipeline. The present condition of the HDA is
under staffed.
4. This office is a sub unit of Department of Tourism, Government of
Kamataka and come under KSTDC. This office is managed by Mr. Hattikal,
assistant manager with one assistant, one driver and one peon. This office is
taking care of the transportation, accommodation, tourist information and
tour packaging for the domestic and international tourists who visit Hampi
and neighboring places. The assistant manager and others are not from the
discipline of tourism but trained by the KSTDC after selection. This
department also manages two KSTDC hotels in Hospet.
c. Issues related to Administration and Management of Heritage Area
The issues related to the effectiveness and efficiency of the archeological heritage
tourism management system at Hampi is the most significant reason for most of the
crucial issues at archaeological heritage tourism destination,
1. Various government organizations are involved in the management of Hampi
as an archeological tourism destination, archaeological site, as a village and a
religious center. But there is a lacuna of an effective centralized management
authority which can coordinate, control and monitor all the operations of
various components of the Hampi management system.
226
2. Even though each components of the Hampi management system has its ovm
area of operation, most of the cases, over lapping in operation areas by one
another create managerial conflicts, ambiguity and lack of operational clarity
among the management stake holders.
3. The information collected by interviewing the officials of various
management organizations revealed that there is no proper and strategic
cooperation and coordination among these divergent management
components operational at Hampi. This is a crucial issue at Hampi.
4. There is a mission, vision and objectives conflict between various
management components. For example, main objectives of ASI and
HWHAMA are safeguarding the archaeological resources of Hampi while
KSTDC and Department of Tourism concentrate more on tourism
development and management of tourist amenities and facilities. Meanwhile,
the village and zilla panchayats looking for the well being of the local
community and the temple authorities are more particular about the religious
and spiritual requirements of the pilgrimage tourists and local population. So,
when each component individually try to fulfill their personal objectives, it
hurts and conflicting with the other elements. Tourism development more
than the carrying capacity of the sensitive and volatile archaeological site
Hampi, put much pressure on the archeological, cultural, natural and historic
resources of the destination.
5. Hampi as an archeological tourism destination do not have an effective
management system which is sustainable. The essential elements of an
effective and sustainable management mechanism in an archaeological
tourism destination are Visitor Management System, Facility Management
System, Archeological Heritage Resources Management System,
Conservation and Security Management System, Heritage Education and
Interpretation Management System, Integrated Management System,
Disaster Management System and Community Management System. At
227
present, the management system existing at Hampi is devoid of such a
systematic management system which can avoid many issues.
d. Issues related to heritage education and interpretation
Hampi archaeological heritage destination urgently requires an effective, efficient
and authentic archaeological heritage education and interpretation system which is
able to satisfy the educational needs of the tourists. Tourists who come from
faraway places by spending lots of money are expecting conducive atmosphere at
the destination were their varying needs are fulfilled. Heritage education is one of
the prime needs of the tourists who visit an archeological heritage destination.
Majority of the tourists who answered heritage education and experience as their
primary motivation to visit the destination and they have given at most preference
to it. There are many ways to educate the tourist about the destination such as
deliberations of tourist guides, heritage interpretation centers, self explanatory
methods like hoardings, displays, posters, information kiosks, brochures, folders,
audio visual aids, tourists guide books etc or a combination or a mix of these
methods.
1. Archaeological heritage tourism destination, Hampi is devoid of an effective
heritage interpretation centre where the tourist can get a detailed description
on various aspects of the archaeological heritage. This heritage education and
interpretation center must be devised in such a manner that it is able to cater
to the educational needs of the archaeological heritage tourists representing
from various socio cultural, economic, educational and demographic
categories. The center must be of multi-linguistic and tourists friendly.
2. Hampi requires trained, professional and qualified tourist guides to educate,
interpret and entertain the tourists about the archaeological and cultural
resources. The 47 tourist guides working at Hampi are under qualified. Most
of them have an educational qualification of SSLC and PUC who are unable
to provide a standard guiding service. Most of them can speak effectively in
Kannada and a few are capable of speaking in English effectively and three
228
of them are able to manage French. The interview with the president of the
tourist guides in Hampi revealed that these guides are facing lots of problems
such as seasonality of the job, lack of permanency and job security, low
payment, lack of basic amenities and facilities, recognition etc. all these
issues are unaddressed by the management. 73% of the foreign and 67% of
the domestic tourist respondents who have availed the service of the tourist
guides were reveal that they are unsatisfied with the guide service. Since,
there is no recognized office for the guides, majority of the tourists were
unknown about the guide facility.
3. Heritage education, effective and authentic interpretation can be made
possible by alternative way of using self explanatory interpretation tools such
as hoardings, signage, information kiosks, touch screen displays, audio
recordings, well structured tourist guides, brochures, folders, posters,
drawings etc. Hampi has very defectively utilized these alternative
interpretation techniques as a tool for effective interpretation of the
archaeological heritage resources. Based on the domestic and international
tourist profile, multi-linguistic interpretation tools must be used for better
result. This multi-linguistic approach of interpretation is not observed at the
site.
e. Issues related to Infra and Superstructure Amenities
Hampi has become an international archaeological heritage tourism destination and

receiving approximately 18 lakh domestic and 34,433 international tourist visits in
the year 2011 and estimated 2 lakh tourist visits by 2021 by Hampi Master Plan.
But the infi-a and superstructure facilities at the destination is inadequate to manage
the basic needs of the growing tourist demands. As per the economic theories, there
must be parity between the supply and demand. But archaeological heritage tourism
destination has not maintaining this theory. The supply of services and facilities are
not matching with the demand. Moreover, it is significant to note that most of the
infra and superstructure facilities and amenities, outside the premises of the site, are
229
shared by the local people and the tourists. So, while planning for tourism
infrastructure development, we have to consider the local people and their needs too
avoid congestion, over exploitation and underuse. Restriction in use of common
facilities to the local people creates social tension and conflict between and among
tourist, local population and other stake holders. The most basic facilities expected
by a tourist at a destination are comfortable, secured and affordable transportation,
accommodation, telecommunication, banking and money exchange, entertainment,
food and beverage outlets, facilities at the railway terminus, facilities at the bus
terminus, air transportation facilities, road, book shops, shopping centers, police and
security services, drinking water and sanitation facilities, health and medical
facilities, medical stores etc. Hampi, as an international tourism destination is
lacking many such facilities or those facilities offered are inferior. Major issues
related to infrastructural facilities at Hampi based on the analysis of primary and
secondary data are discussed here.
1. The accommodation and transportation facilities at the Hampi archaeological
heritage destination is inadequate to manage the 17,75,123 domestic and
34,433 international tourists who visit Hampi in an year. According to the
Hampi Master Plan 2021, the tourist arrival at Hampi shall be 20 lakh
annually (Master Plan Hampi 2021 p58) Most of the tourist visit Hampi
archaeological tourism heritage destination during December to February
and January and April. During the Hampi Utsav and other festivals, the
crowd at Hampi is unmanageable. Hampi offers various types of
accommodation facilities which are discussed in chapter VI in detail. The
standard of accommodation facilities offered at hampi is far below to
international standards. 80% (16 respondents) of the foreign tourist
respondents and 75% (15 respondents) domestic tourists were unsatisfied
with the accommodation facilities at the archaeological heritage tourism
destination, Hampi. Out of the 80% (16 respondents) unsatisfied foreign
tourists, 56.25% (9 respondents) foreign tourists attribute the reason for their
230
dissatisfaction is lack of facilities at the accommodation centre, inadequate
privacy and security, substandard cleanliness and hygienic conditions. No
tourist respondents opine that price is unaffordable. The KSRTC
transportation system from hospet to Hampi has been found comfortable to
majority of the tourists but they were dissatisfied with the transpiration
system existing inside the archaeological site. The tourists arefi-eeto choose
either hired bicycles, motorbikes, auto-rickshaws to move around the wide
spread archaeological heritage destination but there is no government
sponsored eco-friendly and sustainable mode of transportation system at the
destination. The tourists require a systematic movement inside the site and
get an onsite heritage interpretation at Hampi which is lacking.
f. Issues related to Management system at Hampi
Most of the issues which are faced by archaeological heritage tourism destination,
Hampi is because ineffective and unsystematic management system and in proper
execution of various archaeological heritage and tourism development policies
which are designed time to time by various policy makers. The following are the
major management related issues at Hampi.
1. The number and quality of both foreign and international tourist who visit a
destination is determined by many factors. Marketing and promotional tools
used by the destination is one of the important determinants of attracting
more tourists to a destination which will in turn helps for the overall
development of the destination. There is no well defined policy and strategy
for projecting Hampi as a unique and demanding archaeological heritage
destination in the world other than the conventional methods adopted by the
state and central governments such as such as the government websites,
publications, guidebooks, brochures, hoardings at the major entry points of
the state and the country, displays at railway station, airports, bus terminals,
cities etc. since all archaeological heritage tourism destinations are managed
and controlled by the government organizations so, the marketing and
231
promotion of the destination is completely vested in the hands of the
government. But there is no evidence for exclusive and professional
destination promotional and marketing tools for promoting archaeological
heritage tourism destination, Hampi in tourism generating regions like
Europe, America, South East Asia etc. Modem destination marketing and
promotional methods and tools are not used by the concemed authorities for
the promotion of Hampi.
2. Hampi, as an archaeological heritage tourism destination is missing a strong
and sustainable tourism policy and strategy to elevate the destination as an
intemational attraction. The Hampi developmental policy devised by
HWHAMA is appreciable. But as a tourism destination and archaeological
site, Hampi requires sound and infallible policies such as the archaeological
tourism development policy, protection and conservation of archeological
heritage resource policy, marketing and promotional policy, human resource
management policy, visitor and facilities management policy, interpretation
and heritage education policy, local community management and
development policy etc and altogether in a nutshell, the destination is devoid
of total quality management policy which is capable of addressing all the
issues.
3. The economic support and annual budgetary allocation to various
components of Hampi management system is inadequate to accomplish their
mission for carrying out their goals and objectives effectively. The statistics
shows that there is no parity between the revenue generated from tourism
and amount of money rerouted back to the Hampi for better management.
More than Rs. 2 crore has been generated at Hampi, annually, by only selling
entry tickets at the destination and the actual effect is much higher (explained
chapter 4). The inadequate economic support to various components of the
management system is a crucial issue faced by the archaeological
destination.
232
4. The capacity building and heritage awareness training and developmental
programmes are a compulsory part of the stake holder management system
for ensuring standard service and professional approach. It covers training to
skilled and semiskilled people who work in public and private sector tourism
service organizations such as hotel and restaurant workers, transportation
operators and workers, tourist guides, monument attendants, security people
etc. This kind of programmes should be a regular exercise but Hampi
management system is not organizing such kind of programmes.
5. Hampi has serious lapse in security and safety management system. The
tourists who visit a destination prefer highest priority to the safety and
security aspects at the destination. Tourists look for life security, security to
the properties and belongings, security from natural catastrophe and social
calamities. A well equipped police station with police women, a good health
care center, both male and female security personnel at the site, comfortable
sanitation facilities at the site, free from the disturbance of beggars, hawkers,
pickpockets, anti social elements etc are the very essential requirements and
precautions for a better security management system. That is very much
lacking in Hampi. A disaster management wing with specially trained people
to handle the adverse situation such as fire force personnel is a basic
requirement but Hampi is yet to develop such a center.
6. Presently, the site is divided into several pockets of monuments scattered in
the vast area of Hampi leads to lack of connectivity between various
monuments. These links have been broken or are nonexistent. It is vital to re-
establish connectivity between different elements and to restore the unity of
the original Vijayanagara Empire. The unorganized movements inside the
archaeological site create ambiguity among the tourists to make historical
correlations between monuments and other heritage properties. Moreover,
tourist movements outside the expected path threaten the authenticity and
protection of the heritage site.
233
7. Despite the fact that it is a World Heritage Site, it has been threatened by
unplanned development, inadequate protection and seasonal flooding
(Popular Archaeology, 2012).^ Cyclone Nilam had its effect at Hampi when
a pillar of the famous Virupaksha temple collapsed due to incessant rain..
Another place of worship at the world heritage site Prasanna Narasimha
temple too bore the brunt as its compound wall collapsed. The collapsed
'salumantap', situated on the right side of Virupaksha temple, was two-
storeyed. The 500-year-old structure was 12-ft high and stood on six pillars.
There are 50 such 'salumantaps' in Hampi (Times of India, 2012).'* The
archaeological heritage site Hampi does not have an effective disaster or
crises management system to protect the monuments, local people, tourists,
service providers and employees of the site against natural calamities such as
earth quake, flood, fire and social conflicts such as communal riots, etc. The
facilities like fire force, fire extinguishers, trained security guards,
ambulance, doctors on call etc are very essential to deal with undesired
situations.
8. The community empowerment through awareness programmes, training,
counseling, capacity building, education, morale boosting efforts,
participation etc are very essential for any kind of tourism development. But,
Hampi does not have systematic community resource management system.
Building confidence and feeling of inclusion among the local people itself
may reduce so many issues created at the local level. The birth rights of the
local community cannot be denied in any situation and the tourism
development should not be threat to the very existence of the local
community.
9. Tourism is an effective vehicle to empower the women and weaker section
of the local community by employing them in various service developmental
aspects of tourism. The 16 battery powered vehicles operating at Hampi are
managed by only women, 9 monument attendants out of 30 and many daily
234
w^age workers at Hampi are women. But they have expressed that they are
facing long working schedule and devoid of basic facilities at the site. They
also face the problems of job security and higher payment. The tourist guides
who are working at Hampi are from weaker section of the society, but they
too face job security and low payment.
g. Issues related to socio cultural and economic environment

Tourism development at Hampi causes lots of negative impacts to the socio-
cultural and economic environment of the local community. The following issues
are identified as major socio cultural and economic concerns of thye archaeological
heritage tourism destination, Hampi.
1. As an archaeological tourism destination, Hampi is also facing certain
pertinent socio cultural and economic issues. One of the major issues noticed
at Hampi is devaluation of cultural and religious resources. For example, the
temples and religious centers such as Veerupaksha temple, Atchyutaraya
temple, Vittala temple etc are sacred, a symbolic life line and source of social
identity of the local community lost its socio cultural value by show casing
and commoditizing before the tourists. The temple priest and the local
people have an opinion that tourists especially foreigners and other religious
people visit the temples as a museum which hurt the spiritual values of them.
But these feelings are sacrificed before the financial benefits extended by the
tourists.
2. Another social issue observed in Hampi is a cultural change. The
westernization in dressings, consumption change in food habits (the food
stalls providing western food, encourage the local people also to use it),
language change etc which cause tendency to develop a multi cultural and
plural society with converging values. Cigarette smoking, drug usage,
prostitution, etc have been increased in this region and local people claim
that it is an outcome of tourism development.
235
3. Tourism development at Hampi causes inflation and price hike for essential
commodities since the tourists' purchasing power is more than that of the
local people.
4. Another problem has been observed at the destination is displacement effect,
that is, the local people have left their traditional ways of earning lively hood
such as agriculture, farming, etc but they have shifted to more lucrative
tourist service oriented business activities.
5. The declaration of World Heritage Site status to Hampi and the following
measures to protect and conserve the heritage resources led to evacuation and
loss of domicile for many people and they are still facing the problem of
rehabilitation.
6. The development of amenities and facilities for tourists has caused
congestion, physical and visual pollution to the destination.
7. Another issue observed at the destination is, the sharing of non renewable
and renewable energy resources between the tourists and local community
such as fresh water, electricity, cooking gas, fossil fiiel, food grains etc cause
pressure on local community due to scarcity or non availability. This is a
very crucial issue need to be addressed very urgently.
8. Urbanization and migration of people from nearby villages and from other
parts of the country as various services provides to tourists and their
settlement in a small village Hampi cause serious threat to the social stability
of the area and sometimes leads to social unrest and communal problems.
This settlement also sources social insecurity and social congestion.
h. Issues related to the natural environment

Tourism development at Hampi archaeological site creates lots of issues to the
natural environment which is also a part of the archaeological heritage of the site.
The following issues are foimd very crucial to be addressed by the researcher.
236
1. Most important issue is overexploitation of fresh water resources which very
precious and scarce in the present day Hampi region. The fresh water used
by tourists at hotels, lodges such as swimming pool, bath tubs, toilets etc is
much more than that of the use of common people and it generate more
waste water too. This consumption pattern cause two crucial issues,
overexploitation of fresh water which is very scarce and overproduction of
waste water need to be disposed.
2. Another environmental issue is destruction and depletion of agricultural land
for the development of tourist facilities and amenities at Hampi which causes
deforestation, threat to wild life resources, depletion to green house effect,
soil erosion and mineral loss etc.
3. The quarrying occurring at Hampi also put pressure to the natural
equilibrium and vibrations cause damage to the archaeological heritage
resources.
4. The garbage dumping, plastic littering, sewage, air and noise pollution,
biological and human waste etc cause threat to the environment of Hampi.
Analysis and conclusion of the chapter

The chapter five is exclusively discusses the major issues facing by the
archaeological heritage tourism destination Hampi. These issues identified by the
analysis of primary and secondary data collected from various sources like personal
observation, interview with the officials, representatives of the local organizations
and local people, information collected from both foreign and domestic tourist
respondents and various secondary data sources. A few issues were left over to
discuss since they are laying outside geographical and subject boimdary the
research frame work. The arguments discussed in this chapter are supported by
adequate primary and secondary data and were carried over to the next chapter to
develop concrete suggestions to overcome the issues discussed.
237
The major issues found out at the archaeological tourism destination Hampi are,
destruction and damage of archaeological heritage properties and monuments,
encroachment of local people, mathas and ashramas, inadequate renovation and
protection measures, inadequate fund allocation, under staffing and human resource
related issues, issues related to heritage education and interpretation, inadequate
infrastructure facilities and amenities, absence of sound sustainable development
policies, unscientific management system, lots of socio cultural and economic
negative impacts due to tourism development, environmental issues, lack of
awareness among local people, lack of adequate capacity building programmes for
various service providers, evacuation and rehabilitation issues of local community
and issues related to social change.
238
References
01. Viyayanagar Research Project, www.vijayanagara.org, retrieved on 15/12/12
02. Nalini M. Thakur (2007), Hampi World Heritage site. Monuments, Site or
Cultural Landscape, Journal of Landscape, No. 16. p-37
03. http://popular-archaeology.com/issue/june-2012/article/endangered-
historic-temple-in-india-saved-from-slow-destruction
04. The Times of India, Hubli Edition, Tourist bus damages mantap in Hampi,
may 25, 2009
05. John M. Fritz and George Michell (2012), Letter from India: Living Heritage
at Risk, Archaeology, Publication of Archaeological Institute of America
Volume 65 Number 6, November/ December 2012
06.Gethin Chamberlain (2012), India's Hampi heritage site families face
eviction from historic ruins. The Observer, Sunday 27 May 2012
07. http://gIobalheritagefund.org/what_we_do/overview/current_projects/ha
mpi_india
08.http://www.archidev.org/article.php3?id_article=466
09. http://articles.timesofmdia.indiatimes.com/2012-l 1-
3/hubli/34893079_l_virupaksha-temple-hampi-pillar
10. Daily News Analysis, Use the Rs 37 crore spent on festivals to save Hampi:
Court, August 31, 2011
11. http://articles.timesofmdia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-
24/bangalore/340611 OOlhampi-vijayanagara-empire-treasure-hunt
12. Nalini M. Thakur (2007), Hampi World Heritage site. Monuments, Site or
Cultural Landscape, Journal of Landscape, No. 16. p-37
239

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Chapter - V

Archeological Heritage Tourism in Hampi

World archeological heritage site, Hampi has already been projected as an

The major issues of archaeological heritage tourism at archaeological

Period of the study

The primary data was collected by administering structured questionnaire to

Profile of Tourist Respondents visiting the Heritage Site, Hampi

Classification of tourist respondents based on gender

International 18(20.45%) 06(6.81%) 24(27.27%)

Domestic 40(45.45%) 24(27.27%) 64(72.73%)

Total 58(65.90%) 30(34.09%) 88(100%)

Table 5.2: Classification based on nationality of the international tourists

The cultural impact of tourism development is depending upon the degree of

Figure 5.1: Geographic classification of International Tourists

• United Kingdom • Germany £ France • Korea • USA • Malaysia Hungary

Source: Primary data

Age wise classification of domestic and international tourist respondents

The age is an important demographic determinant for tourism motivation and

A. Evaluation of the data collected from the tourist respondents

01. Knowledge about Hampi prior to the visit

Table - 5.5: Knowledge of Culture and History of Hampi

With an objective of appreciating the existing infrastructure and its role in

Table - 5.13; Satisfaction towards Safety and security measures at Hampi

Table - 5.14: Need for Participation of Social organizations/Community

07. Impact of tourism development on local culture and traditions

It is greatly argued that un-sustained growth of tourism activities at the

Table - 5.17: Controlling measures for managing Tourist behavior at the

OS.Amenities and facilities extended to the tourists

01. Looking at the cleanliness at maintenance of hygiene at the heritage site, it

Development of positive perceptions towards the need for development and

From the above table following becomes very obvious;

B. Major Issues related to archaeological heritage tourism development at

a. Issues related to archaeological heritage protection and conservation

Hampi has become an international archaeological heritage tourism destination and

g. Issues related to socio cultural and economic environment

h. Issues related to the natural environment

Analysis and conclusion of the chapter

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