Despite the absence of international-standard marinas, India is planning to focus on yacht tourism. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has announced that the government is working on a strategy to enhance the yacht tourism ecosystem.
India Sets Sights On Yacht Tourism For Coastal Growth
Rivers are the cradle of civilization and routes of trade since millennia. On #WorldRiversDay, let us realise the power, potential and possibilities of our rivers as new highways for building a Viksit Bharat. pic.twitter.com/pwVyGVl82H
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) September 22, 2024
Speaking on the occasion of World Rivers Day, he said that the country’s vast coastline could be a key asset in developing this sector. India has a coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometres. Yet, it lacks a single marina that meets international standards.
A marina is a docking facility often designed for luxury yachts and sailboats. These facilities are crucial for attracting high-end tourism and encouraging personal boating. Sonowal emphasised the need to develop proper marinas, stating that without them, yachts have no place to dock in India.
He compared the situation to Croatia, a much smaller country, which has 15,000 docking spaces for yachts. This, he pointed out, is a missed opportunity for India, which could leverage its long coastline for economic gain.
Yacht tourism is already a thriving industry in many parts of the world. Countries like Italy and Croatia have capitalised on their coastlines by building marinas and promoting water-based tourism. Sonowal stressed that India could benefit similarly. He noted that each yacht can create approximately 20 jobs, providing a significant boost to local economies. Additionally, yacht tourism could encourage investments in coastal infrastructure and boost allied industries.
The Government’s Plan
The government’s plan to develop yacht tourism is seen as part of a broader effort to promote sustainable and high-end tourism in India. Alongside cruise tourism, the yacht tourism ecosystem could add a new dimension to the country’s tourism offerings. The minister believes that the initiative could attract international tourists and offer unique experiences on India’s rivers and seas.
On World Rivers Day, Sonowal also highlighted the importance of rivers and waterways. Rivers, he said, shape landscapes, influence the climate, and support transportation. They are crucial to human culture, playing a significant role in art, literature, and history. Despite their importance, rivers face numerous challenges. Pollution from industrial waste, chemicals, and untreated sewage threatens river ecosystems. Deforestation also leads to soil erosion, further disrupting these water bodies.
Climate change is another factor impacting rivers. Rising temperatures are altering water flows and affecting biodiversity. Sonowal stressed the need for educational initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of protecting rivers. Campaigns are necessary to help the public understand how rivers support ecosystems and human life.
The focus on yacht tourism aligns with the broader goal of preserving natural resources like rivers. As the government works on enhancing waterways and protecting the environment, these initiatives could promote sustainable tourism.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)
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