. 02/10/2024 12:09 PM
India's government has launched the Cruise Bharat Mission, a landmark initiative aimed at positioning India as a major global cruise tourism destination. Officially inaugurated by Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal on the cruise ship ‘Empress’ at the Mumbai port, this mission is part of India’s broader agenda to boost its Blue Economy, focusing on the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth. The mission aims to double the number of cruise passengers by 2029, making India a key player in maritime tourism.
The mission seeks to harness India’s coastal potential by developing infrastructure, promoting cruise tourism globally, and offering passengers a seamless and enjoyable cruise experience. The overarching goal is to transform India into a global hub for cruise tourism, showcasing the nation’s rich maritime culture, scenic coastal regions, and world-class amenities.
The Cruise Bharat Mission is structured into three distinct phases, each with its own set of objectives and timelines to gradually develop India’s cruise tourism sector.
Phase 1 (2024-2025):
Focus on studies and master planning for the cruise sector.
Build partnerships with neighboring countries to enhance regional connectivity.
Upgrade existing cruise terminals and marinas to improve infrastructure.
Phase 2 (2025-2027):
Construct new cruise terminals at strategic locations.
Expand cruise destinations that hold high potential for attracting both domestic and international tourists.
Phase 3 (2027-2029):
Integrate cruise routes across the Indian subcontinent.
Continue developing tourist spots and enhancing cruise infrastructure, ensuring sustainability and an unmatched experience.
The Cruise Bharat Mission has set ambitious targets for passenger growth:
Sea Cruise Passengers: The mission plans to increase sea cruise passengers from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1 million by the end of Phase 3.
River Cruise Passengers: For river cruises, the aim is to grow from 0.5 million to 1.5 million passengers over the same period.
The mission’s success will be anchored on five main pillars:
Sustainable Infrastructure & Capital:
Developing world-class cruise terminals and marinas.
A focus on environmental sustainability, with measures to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly tourism.
Technology and Operations:
Enhancing the efficiency of cruise operations using advanced technology.
Streamlining processes such as e-clearance systems to offer faster and more convenient services to passengers.
Cruise Promotion & Circuit Integration:
International promotion of India’s cruise offerings, positioning it as a top destination for global tourists.
Connecting cruise circuits across different regions of India to offer tourists an integrated and diverse experience.
Supportive Policies:
Developing favorable regulations and financial policies tailored to promote the growth of cruise tourism.
Encouraging investments and partnerships between the government and private sectors.
Capacity Building and Research:
Creating new job opportunities by focusing on skill development and research in cruise-related industries.
Promoting innovation and building a trained workforce to support the growing demand in cruise tourism.
The economic and social impact of the Cruise Bharat Mission is expected to be far-reaching:
Job Creation: The mission is expected to generate over 400,000 new jobs, providing employment opportunities in coastal regions and boosting local economies.
Boost to Local Economies: By improving cruise tourism infrastructure, the mission will have a direct positive impact on local communities involved in hospitality, transportation, and tourism services.
Sustainable Blue Economy: Aligned with India’s larger Blue Economy plan, the Cruise Bharat Mission aims to sustainably harness ocean resources, promoting maritime tourism as a significant contributor to national GDP.
India’s extensive coastline offers tremendous potential for cruise tourism. The mission will initially focus on key ports like Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, and Chennai, which already have established cruise terminals. However, the government is also looking at newer locations such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep to develop niche cruise destinations.
Furthermore, river cruises, particularly along the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and other major rivers, will be a significant focus area. These cruises offer tourists a unique way to experience India’s cultural and natural heritage.
Despite its massive potential, the Indian cruise tourism industry faces several challenges, such as limited infrastructure, insufficient marketing, and regulatory hurdles. The Cruise Bharat Mission seeks to address these challenges by:
Upgrading existing terminals and constructing new ones with world-class facilities.
Forming international partnerships to ensure India’s visibility in the global cruise market.
Promoting sustainable tourism by adopting green technologies and reducing the environmental impact of cruise ships.
