New Delhi, Aug. 14: The government is working on strategies to promote cruise tourism.
The tourism ministry has lined up several schemes for infrastructure development including a permanent terminal for liners at five ports — Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Mangalore and Kochi.
“Cruise liners are great crowd pullers world over. We just have to promote this form of tourism and develop infrastructure for the industry. Cruise tourism will also be part of our Incredible India campaign. A standalone terminal just for cruise liners will make things easier not only for luxury liners but also its passengers. The ministry of shipping is also involved and plans are being formulated to develop the terminal,” said a senior official of the tourism ministry.
“We are providing assistance for products and infrastructure development for destinations and circuits and help for large revenue generating projects,” added the official.
In June 2008, the government approved the Cruise Shipping Policy, which includes development of facilities at ports and connectivity through rail, road and air. It is also taking efforts to ensure speedy completion of immigration formalities and hassle-free custom clearance.
An inter-ministerial steering committee with the shipping secretary as the chairman was set up in June 2010.
“On the promotion side, we are participating in cruise liner conventions, taking advice from major players in the industry and working on marketing strategies so that it attracts tourists and yields revenues,” the official said.
With demand for cruise tourism on the rise, private operators will increase services to Maldives and Lakshadweep from Kochi.
Various spots in and around Goa and Chennai are being identified and new routes and destinations are being mapped. Several operators are also planning to purchase luxury liners.
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