People’s perspectives on heritage conservation and tourism development: a case study of Varanasi

Abstract The conservation of heritage and heritage-based tourism are interrelated activities in which the development one can lead to growth other vice versa. In recent years, people have become increasingly aware importance necessity its conservation. People’s knowledge preservation their roots emotional attachments traditions places beneficial for activities. Heritage also considered a point industry that supports small- medium-scale industries as well numerous cottage industries. However, with related areas, local community may face difficulties performing day-to-day area. many cases, communities need relocate must leave residences due demand development. A case study Varanasi City was conducted obtain detailed understanding impact programme (the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project) people’s perception it through review newspaper articles. It found had mixed reactions regarding programme. immediate residents area who were directly affected by process terms emotional, economic social loss opposed project, while tourists city pleased This paper attempts identify changes occurred project capture perspectives corridor Varanasi.