The recent Incredible India International Cruise Conference 2022 has ignited discussions around the potential of cruise tourism in India and related initiatives. At the core of these deliberations are strategies for developing India as a global cruise hub, policy initiatives, port infrastructure enhancement, the prospective growth of river cruise tourism, and the role of technology in redefining the tourism industry post-pandemic.
What was the India International Cruise Conference 2022?
The conference, jointly organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), aimed at addressing key facets of this booming industry. Central to the discussion were strategies to position India as a global hub for cruise tourism, policy initiatives required to achieve this end, and the role technology plays in adapting to a post-pandemic world.
Potential of Cruise Tourism in India
The Indian cruise market holds a promising future with the potential to grow tenfold over the next decade, propelled by rising demand and disposable incomes. The government recognizes this promise and is committed to positioning India as a leading cruise destination with top-notch infrastructure.
India aspires to elevate cruise passenger traffic from the current 0.4 million to 4 million. Consequently, the economic impact of cruise tourism could escalate from USD 110 million to a staggering USD 5.5 billion in the future.
Government-initiated Measures on Cruise Tourism
The government has launched several initiatives to bolster the development of cruise tourism. Among these are the formation of a Task Force and high-level Advisory Committee dedicated to building an ecosystem conducive to cruise tourism.
Additionally, efforts to draw tourists include the development of theme-based coastal destination circuits – Gujarat Pilgrimage tours, West Coast Cultural and scenic tours, South Coast Ayurvedic wellness tours, and East Coast Heritage tourism.
Lighthouse and Island Development
The government has also embarked on developing lighthouses and islands to charm coastal tourists. Inland or river cruise tourism is another potential aspect of cruise tourism that is up for exploration.
Maritime Vision Document 2030
The Maritime Vision Document 2030 underlines the focus on heritage tourism, Ayurveda tourism, coastal tourism, and river cruise tourism, among others. The post-pandemic era in India has seen the tourism sector experience a surge, with cruise tourism recording a 35% year-on-year growth.
Upgrading Ports
To cater to the increasing traffic, seven major ports in the country including the upcoming New International Cruise terminal in Mumbai are undergoing modernization. The Mumbai terminal, estimated to cost around Rs 495 crores, will be capable of servicing 200 ships and 1 million passengers annually. Similar upgrades are happening in Goa, New Mangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Kolkata.
PM GatiShakti National Master Plan
Under the ambitious PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, there is an emphasis on developing tourism-related infrastructure. Focus areas include shipping, river tourism, forest and wildlife tourism.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme and Namami Gange Project
The Swadesh Darshan scheme has approved 10 projects under coastal thematic circuits across various states, amounting to Rs 648.80 crore. The government, through the Namami Gange project, has made considerable strides in rejuvenating rivers, which will further boost river-based tourist activities.
Status of the Global Cruise Market
Globally, the river cruise market has grown by approximately 5% in recent years, with projections of it making up nearly 37% of the total cruise market by 2027. Europe is presently leading this growth, accounting for around 60% share of river cruise vessels worldwide.
India is making strides in positioning itself as a major player in the global cruise tourism industry. This is facilitated by various government initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and focus on enhancing tourist attractions.