Cruise Tourism is the next big thing that’ll boom in India. The 1st Incredible India International Cruise Festival took place in Mumbai last week. India’s Union Minister for Tourism, G Kishan Reddy, said that the government plans a comprehensive tourism policy. And the cruise sector will be given utmost importance as it is one of the fast-growing sectors in India.
Focus On Cruise Tourism
Reddy said that the proper infrastructure is being developed to promote river tourism, shipping, forest and wildlife tourism. Reddy also said that projects like Namami Gange have improved river conditions and boosted river tourism in India. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also said that there would be 10-fold demand in the Indian cruise market with the rising demands.
Government Recognises India’s Potential
India aims to position itself as a global cruise hub with infrastructure that caters to the ocean and river cruises.
India – A Magnificent Cruise Tourism Destination
Sonowal said that several attractions in India along its 7,500 KM coastline are yet to be seen. A high-level task force has been established with experts who can develop cruise tourism. The Centre has taken several initiatives like infrastructure upgradation, rationalisation of port fees, removing ousting charges, granting priority berthing to cruise ships, providing e-visa facilities etc., to boost the cruise tourism industry.
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Mumbai International Cruise Terminal
Currently, seven ports in the country are being upgraded and modernised. Also, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal is coming up with a total cost of ₹495 crores. The terminal will handle 200 ships and 1 million passengers per year. Similar development will be undertaken in Goa, New Mangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata.
Other Major Developments
- Ten projects sanctioned under coastal thematic circuits worth ₹648 crore
- 228 crore allotted to develop cruise terminals and the related infrastructure
The Incredible India International Cruise Conference had discussions on crucial strategies that will help India excel in cruise tourism.
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