A qualitative approach to investigate stakeholders' perceptions of heritage in the tourist-centric colonial hill town of Mussoorie, India

Abstract

The colonial hill towns in India inherited the predominant architectural style and cultural mannerisms from a mother country before undergoing transformations that reshaped their authentic cultural landscapes. In developing countries like India, the negligence of colonial tourism concerning stakeholder involvement is a perpetual phenomenon. As the primary custodians of heritage, stakeholders have a significant role in tourism management plans. Thus, the present study comprehends the stakeholders’ perceptions of heritage in the colonial hill town of Mussoorie, India, through in-depth interview surveys. The qualitative Inductive research approach is implemented for data synthesis. Findings elucidate that involvement of the stakeholders in Mussoorie’s tourism, and heritage management can provide a remedial impact to the large–scale destruction imposed on the colonial lineage for decades. The research will inform practitioners and researchers about a methodological approach to developing the relationships between the heritage's tangible and intangible aspects for preparing holistic development plans.