Abstract

Archaeological tourism represents a critical intersection of culture, history, economics, and sustainable development. India, with its millennia-old civilizations, diverse heritage sites, and deep cultural plurality, possesses unparalleled potential for archaeological tourism. As India moves toward its aspirational goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the strategic promotion of archaeological tourism can serve as a catalyst for socio-economic growth, cultural diplomacy, community empowerment, and national identity reaffirmation. This paper explores the role of archaeological tourism in India’s developmental trajectory, examines the challenges and opportunities in promoting it, assesses global comparable models, and proposes actionable strategies, policies, and frameworks that align archaeological tourism with India’s 2047 vision.