The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, recently inaugurated the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ at Mumbai port, aiming to significantly enhance India’s cruise tourism sector. This ambitious initiative is poised to revitalize both sea and river cruise tourism in India, with an objective to double the number of cruise passengers by 2029.
The mission is centered on increasing the number of cruise passengers across India’s waterways, particularly focusing on attracting over 1.5 million river cruise tourists. India’s vast network of more than 5,000 kilometers of operational waterways offers considerable potential for development, which the mission seeks to tap into.
Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Sonowal described the launch of Cruise Bharat as a pivotal moment for India’s maritime tourism industry. He pointed out the significant opportunity the nation has to exploit the largely untapped Blue Economy, given its extensive coastline and network of waterways. The minister also acknowledged that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of fostering growth through sustainable and world-class infrastructure in the maritime sector.
Phased Implementation of Cruise Bharat Mission
The Cruise Bharat Mission is set to be implemented in three phases, starting from October 1, 2024, and running until March 31, 2029. These phases will mark a series of developmental milestones aimed at expanding and modernizing India’s cruise tourism infrastructure.
– Phase 1 will prioritize research, master planning, and forging alliances with neighboring countries to improve cruise tourism connectivity. The phase will also focus on modernizing existing ports, marinas, and destinations to optimize India’s cruise circuits.
– Phase 2 is designed to build on the existing infrastructure by developing new marinas, cruise terminals, and tourist destinations. This phase seeks to enhance the country’s capacity to host more cruise routes and engage high-potential cruise sites.
– Phase 3 will continue expanding marinas, terminals, and destinations while focusing on the integration of all cruise circuits within the Indian Subcontinent, symbolizing a matured ecosystem. By the end of this phase, the mission aims to fully develop India’s cruise tourism infrastructure.
The targets for these phases include increasing the number of sea cruise passengers from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1 million by Phase 3. Similarly, the sea cruise calls, which currently stand at 125, will grow to 500 by the end of Phase 3. Additionally, river cruise passengers are expected to rise from 0.5 million to 1.5 million. International cruise terminals will also expand from the current two to 10, and river cruise terminals will grow from 50 to 100. In total, the mission is projected to generate around 400,000 new jobs within the cruise sector.
By 2047, the mission aims to increase sea cruise passengers to 5 million, marking a dramatic rise from the 460,000 passengers expected in 2024. Cruise calls, which are projected to increase to 500 by 2030, will further rise to 1,100 by 2047. These targets were reported by Business Standard, which emphasized the long-term scope and impact of the mission.
Cruise Tourism Segments
The Cruise Bharat Mission outlines three distinct segments within the cruise tourism industry:
- Ocean & Harbour Cruise: This segment includes ocean cruises, coastal and deep-sea trips, as well as yachting and sailing adventures originating from various harbors along India’s vast coastline.
- River & Inland Cruise: This segment targets river and inland waterways, offering cruises that explore India’s intricate network of canals, backwaters, creeks, and lakes. The potential to draw tourists to lesser-explored water routes presents significant opportunities for growth.
- Island Cruise: Focusing on boutique cruises and live-aboard experiences, this segment caters to those interested in exploring India’s islands. It offers excursions to hidden gems, lighthouse tours, and inter-island cruises, catering to a niche market of travelers seeking unique maritime experiences.
The Cruise Bharat Mission’s comprehensive approach aims to utilize India’s abundant natural maritime resources to boost tourism, generate employment, and stimulate the economy. By expanding the infrastructure and offering new and diverse cruise experiences, the mission will establish India as a major destination for cruise tourism on the global stage.
Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that the mission is not only about promoting tourism but also about creating sustainable opportunities in the maritime sector. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our focus is on building a robust cruise tourism infrastructure that supports both economic growth and job creation,” he said.
With a detailed roadmap and phased implementation, the Cruise Bharat Mission sets ambitious targets that reflect India’s commitment to growing its cruise tourism industry. The initiative is expected to position India as a premier destination for cruise travelers, while also contributing to the country’s broader economic development plans through its focus on sustainable growth and world-class infrastructure.