Entrepreneurship in Heritage Tourism Circuits of Western Rajasthan: Opportunities, Challenges, and Policy Implications

Heritage tourism has emerged as a significant driver of regional economic development, particularly in culturally rich but economically constrained regions. Western Rajasthan, known for its forts, palaces, desert landscapes, and living traditions, represents one of India’s most prominent heritage tourism circuits. This paper examines the role of entrepreneurship in the heritage tourism circuits of Western Rajasthan, focusing on opportunities, challenges, and policy implications. Using a qualitative and secondary-data-based analytical approach, the study explores how local entrepreneurship contributes to employment generation, cultural preservation, and inclusive growth. At the same time, it highlights persistent challenges such as limited access to finance, skill gaps, infrastructure constraints, seasonality, and policy fragmentation. The paper argues that heritage tourism entrepreneurship in the region remains underutilized despite its strong potential. Strengthening local entrepreneurial ecosystems through targeted policy interventions, capacity building, and sustainable tourism planning is essential for translating heritage assets into long-term economic and social benefits. The study contributes to the literature on tourism entrepreneurship by offering region-specific insights and policy recommendations relevant for heritage-rich developing regions.