New Delhi: To boost cruise tourism in India, industry experts are calling for multilingual guides, simpler visa processes, and better accommodation. These suggestions were made to the Union Tourism Ministry and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Sanjay Basu, a former leader in the Adventure Tour Operators Association, believes that promoting both domestic and international cruise travel can drive economic growth. “Boosting cruise tourism will create jobs and help local businesses,” he shared. He emphasizes that with government support, new job opportunities can emerge in tourism and hospitality sectors.
Tourism expert Rajnish Kaistha agrees, noting that cruise tourists significantly impact local economies during their short stays. “International and domestic tourists often stay for two to three days, contributing to hotels, local crafts, and sightseeing,” he said. This spending not only supports local markets but also creates jobs.
Kaistha also highlighted essential steps to enhance cruise tourism, such as hiring multilingual guides and improving transportation for sightseeing. He echoed that a more tourist-friendly visa policy could further strengthen the sector.
The Cruise Bharat Mission (CBM), launched by India’s Ministry of Ports, aims to turn India into a global cruise hub. The goal is to double the number of cruise passengers and calls by 2029. According to recent statistics, the projected number of sea cruise passengers is about 492,362 for 2024-25 and around 342,631 for 2025-26. River cruise passengers are estimated at 435,163 for 2024-25 and a significant 2,926,440 for 2025-26 by December.
India’s extensive coastline, with 12 major and nearly 200 minor ports, combined with over 20,000 kilometers of navigable waterways, offers a strong foundation for cruise tourism. The Inland Waterways Authority of India is collaborating with Bangladesh to develop river tourism along the Indo-Bangladesh route, allowing Indian cruise vessels to access cultural sites in Bangladesh. This initiative could open new possibilities for regional river tourism.
In recent years, social media has played a role in shaping traveler expectations, with many sharing experiences from cruise trips. This growing interest is a sign that cruise tourism could become a major part of India’s tourism landscape. As the country positions itself as a cruise destination, industry experts and stakeholders remain hopeful about its potential economic benefits.
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CRUISE TOURISM IN INDIA, CRUISE BHARAT MISSION, INDIA EYES CRUISE TOURISM BOOM INDUSTRY SUGGESTS MULTILINGUAL GUIDES EASIER VISAS
