Tag Archives: Cruise Tourism

Aiming to make India a global hub for cruise tourism, Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, GoI, launched the Cruise Bharat Mission in Mumbai and shared insights on how this initiative will boost the cruise sector. The 3-phase programme targets 50 lakh pax by 2047.

Presenting the Union Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a simpler tax regime for foreign shipping companies operating domestic cruises in India, aiming to boost cruise tourism. She highlighted plans for ownership, leasing, and flagging reforms to enhance the domestic shipping industry’s share and create more jobs.

As per the new amendments in e-Visa provisions by the Ministry of Home Affairs, India’s Port Blair seaport is now a designated entry port for e-Visa holders. The amendment will boost yacht and superyacht business along with cruise tourism. Now, five other Indian seaports where persons with e-Visa will be allowed includes Mumbai, Cochin, Mormugao, Chennai, and New Mangalore.

Thomas Cook India & SOTC in its India Holiday Report 2023 highlighted a 70% surge in cruise holidays. Speaking on this, Daniel D’souza, President, SOTC Travel, said, “Cruise holidays offer an all-inclusive experience onboard a luxurious floating hotel.These include a wide range of services, from entertainment and exciting activities to diverse cuisines, wellness spas, shopping, and exploring new locales. We are witnessing strong growth in this segment from regional India’s tier II-III markets, besides metros and mini metros.”

Jerroo Bharrucha, President, TOGA Mumbai, says, referring to the negotiations over tourist guide fees for cruise passengers between TOGA and four operators, says, “We have been asking them to negotiate for a year for season starting September 2024. They have offered us 5% increment for each season, in total 10%. But this is unacceptable to us.”

Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary Madhya Pradesh Tourism said, “Long distance, intra-state cruises will be a new attraction for 2024. We have a buoyant plan for cruise tourism in 2024. The main attraction will be the nearly 130 km inter-state cruise on river Narmada.”

Cruise, Offbeat and Rural tourism to be integral part of 2024 trajectory  In an effort to boost tourism the Madhya Pradesh government has mapped an innovative strategy for 2024. Besides introducing new elements, the government plans to revamp and broaden the existing schemes to add more vibrancy to the sector. Cruise tourism, all women rides, safety of women, wellness and rural vacations will be an integral part of the 2024 trajectory. Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla Principal Secretary Tourism said, “We designed a multi-pronged strategy for tourism in 2023.  In 2024, the plan is to make it more holistic, inclusive, sustainable, eco-friendly and adventure packed.” Cruise Tourism, New Trails Mr. Shukla who is also the Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board said, “We have a buoyant plan for cruise tourism in 2024. The main attraction will be the nearly 130 km inter-state cruise on river Narmada from the Statue of Oneness in Omkareshwar to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. The multi-option, multi-destination cruises, will be punctuated with rural experiences in between the two destinations. Elaborating on other cruise projects lined up for 2024 Shukla said that plans were afoot to link the Rajhat Dam near Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh to Deogarh in Uttar Pradesh. “Long distance, intra-state cruises will be a new attraction for 2024,” he added. Intra-state cruises from Miakal Resort in Bargi near Jabalpur to Tindini in Mandla district, Dharaji in Dewas to Sailani Tapu east of Omkareshwar, Sanjit village to the tent city of Gandhi Sagar are also on the anvil. The Tawa-Madhai cruise will be given a facelift by adding new experiences. Identifying and developing new trekking trails in various buffer zones of National Parks/Sanctuaries …

Learn more about the largest cruise ship in domestic waters – Costa Serena – and its sailings ex Mumbai and Cochin in November and December 2023 at this exclusive webinar on September 21 at 3pm. It will highlight specially curated itineraries for a truly international experience with an Indian touch. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Naveen Kundu, MD, Ebixcash pointed out “India is set to become a domestic cruise hub, but regulations, cruise lines, and infrastructure need immediate attention”. Additionally, he informed cruises will come to India if there is favourable environment and infrastructure

Rakesh Verma, Additional Secretary, Tourism, has said that currently there are 0.4 million cruise passengers who board cruises from India. “The target is to take it to 4 million by 2040. For that, there is work already going in strengthening of infrastructure and developing new circuits,” he added.