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India to promote cruise tourism
Mumbai, Jan 15: With a longish coastline on the east and west and a number of all weather ports, India is all set to promote cruise tourism with the Union ministries of tourism and shipping joining hands to identify it as a thrust area.
Mumbai, Jan 15: With a longish coastline on the east and west and a number of all weather ports, India is all set to promote cruise tourism with the Union ministries of
tourism and shipping joining hands to identify it as a thrust area.
The shipping ministry has already constituted a standing committee of all the state governments involved in making the voyage an interesting experience, according to D T
Joseph, secretary, shipping.
At any given point of time, about ten to 20 ships are cruising in Indian waters and with the arrival of Queen Mary this year, the identified ports, both on the western and eastern coast, are being refurbished to receive such cruises.
Although all the port trusts are taking keen interest in developing infrastructure, Joseph, however, feels that the response from the private sector in capitalising in this sector is awaited. He regrets that inspite of advantages, India's presence in cruise tourism segment is not felt.
"Ship itself was a destination as against inland monuments of attractions and that both cuisine and entertainment on board play a very important part in development of cruises," Joseph told a seminar here recently.
He opined that there was a need to package these two aspects coupled with a hassle-free movement of tourists coming on board, at the port as well as during customs clearance apart from providing for a facility for the ship itself at the port. Bureau Report
At any given point of time, about ten to 20 ships are cruising in Indian waters and with the arrival of Queen Mary this year, the identified ports, both on the western and eastern coast, are being refurbished to receive such cruises.
Although all the port trusts are taking keen interest in developing infrastructure, Joseph, however, feels that the response from the private sector in capitalising in this sector is awaited. He regrets that inspite of advantages, India's presence in cruise tourism segment is not felt.
"Ship itself was a destination as against inland monuments of attractions and that both cuisine and entertainment on board play a very important part in development of cruises," Joseph told a seminar here recently.
He opined that there was a need to package these two aspects coupled with a hassle-free movement of tourists coming on board, at the port as well as during customs clearance apart from providing for a facility for the ship itself at the port. Bureau Report