In a historic initiative to boost India’s cruise tourism sector, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal launched the cruise recently. Cruise India Mission From Mumbai port. This strategic program aims to revive the cruise tourism landscape by doubling passenger traffic by 2029, focusing on both ocean and river cruises.

Sonowal described the launch of the Cruise India Mission as a “watershed moment” for India’s marine tourism, emphasizing the commitment of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to harness the huge potential of the Blue Economy . He highlighted that India, with its extensive coastline and waterways, has immense potential that is largely unexplored.

According to the official statement, the mission seeks to attract more than 1.5 million river cruise passengers by leveraging India’s more than 5,000 kilometers of operational waterways. By creating world-class infrastructure and promoting sustainable development, the Mission aims to enhance the overall maritime sector.

phased implementation plan

The implementation of Cruise India Mission will take place in three phases from October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2029:

Phase 1 will focus on research, master planning and establishing cruise alliances with neighboring countries. It will also focus on modernization of existing cruise ports, marinas and destinations to maximize cruise circuit potential.

Phase 2 aims to develop additional marinas, cruise terminals and destinations that cater to the high-capacity cruise circuit, thereby further expanding India’s cruise infrastructure.

Phase 3 will continue to expand cruise terminals, marinas and destinations while integrating all cruise circuits in the Indian subcontinent, reflecting the maturity of the cruise ecosystem.

Key performance indicators for these phases include increasing sea cruise passengers from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1 million by Phase 3 and increasing sea cruise calls from 125 to 500. The number of river cruise passengers is also expected to increase from 0.5 million to 1.5 million by the end of the mission. Of the third phase.

Cruise India Mission is not just about increasing tourism; It also aims to create around 400,000 new jobs in the region. The plan envisages increasing international cruise terminals from 2 to 10 and river cruise terminals from 50 to 100. This initiative is expected to increase cruise passengers from 460,000 in 2024 to 5 million by 2047, as well as increase cruise calls from 254 in 2024. Up to 1,100 by 2047.

Three segments of cruise tourism

The Mission identifies three primary segments of cruise tourism:

1. Ocean and Harbor Cruises: This includes ocean cruises, coastal and deep sea voyages, as well as sailing trips to and from various ports.

2. River and Inland Cruises: This segment focuses on exploring the rivers, canals, backwaters and lakes of India.

3. Island Cruises: Offering live-board excursions, boutique cruises to lesser-known locations, lighthouse tours, and inter-island cruises.

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