Kochi: Giving a new impetus to Marine
leisure activity, India`s first World class Marina, built at a
cost of Rs 8.21 crore, was on Saturday commissioned by Union Defence Minister AK Antony here.
In his inaugural address, Antony said though the project
was put in "cold storage" for some time, it has been completed
within two years on a "war footing".
Tourism sector provides immense opportunities which
should be tapped...The state needs to have better
infrastructure, especially good roads and waste disposal
facilities, which would go a long way in attracting tourists
to the state, he said.
Kerala Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said the
Marina has opened new doors to Indian tourism and would
attract high sea travellers.
During the last one year, 50 luxury ships have touched
Kochi, he said.
`The Kochi International Marina` has been designed and
developed by Ocean Blue Marinas. Currently, it houses
facilities for berthing 34 yachts. In the second phase, 50
yachts could be accommodated at a given time.
Marina house, a part of this project, features 24 rooms,
including four suites, a health club, cafeteria and recreation
facilities, besides a golf course. A broad walk protruding
into the backwaters has been constructed in front of the
Marina house to enable guests to walk around and take a look
at the yachts.
The Marina will also provide essential services as fuel
and water for boats.
It is close to the international maritime route. Kochi
was also a stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race in 2008-09.
PTI
