To harness the full potential of the cruising sector, creating a separate cruise tourism department within the Ministry of Tourism will play a significant role, said Raj Singh, CEO & Founder of Antara Luxury River Cruises.
“The government can make river cruise and sea cruise tourism as separate departments in the tourism ministry for promotion and also assist operators for finances for shipbuilding as banks often require security before providing finances for shipbuilding,” said Singh, adding that this will also eliminate the hurdles that often impede the sector’s progress.
It will also be a call for the government to take the helm and guide this burgeoning industry towards new horizons.
Also, cruise tourism is one of the key points that would be discussed at the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, scheduled in Goa next week.
Singh shared how cruise tourism in India, once a distant dream, today holds boundless potential. From the majestic Ganges flowing through Varanasi to the serene Brahmani and Vaitarni rivers in Odisha’s mystical Bhitarkanika region, the country’s vast coastline stretching 7,500 kilometers is no longer an untapped secret. The market is poised for further exponential growth in the coming decade, fueled by increasing demand and disposable incomes.
However, there is a need to protect these invaluable waterways, ensuring they remain pollution-free and pristine, Singh pointed out.
While urging the government, Singh said that it is crucial to utilise this potential sustainably while ensuring the cleanliness of the rivers. “All precautions need to be taken,” he said.
In terms of infrastructure, Singh mentioned that the government is already working on progressively developing the necessary facilities. However, he suggested that the government should proactively create facilities such as waste collection systems, onshore power supply and freshwater availability, in advance to support the cruising sector effectively.
The Ministry of Tourism is setting the stage for the fourth and last G20 Tourism Working Group meeting and Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Goa from June 19 to 22, 2023. Speakers from G20 member and guest countries will provide valuable insights into country-specific policies, highlighting the significance of ensuring sustainability and responsibility in cruise tourism.
These suggestions coincide well with the forthcoming discussions on cruise tourism, planned during the Tourism Working Group Meeting starting June 19.
Among the other experts, Singh will be making an elaborate presentation at TWG meet highlighting the successful completion of MV Ganga Vilas Cruise, the journey from Varanasi to Dibrugarh. The Anatara-ship, inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in January, covered an impressive 3,200 kilometers, making it the longest river cruise in the world and travelled through Kolkata, Dacca and Gauhati over 51 days.
When asked, Singh shared that he will also discuss the potential of cruises conducted by Ganges Voyager ships and catamarans in the Brahmani and Vaitarni rivers in the Bhitarkanika area of Odisha.
The possibilities seemed endless as Singh pointed out other areas with potential for modern and extended cruises, such as Kerala, Goa, and the Narmada River. He also mentioned that river cruises could be conducted on rivers in Punjab, Kashmir, and Tripura, provided the appropriate ships are available.
Furthermore, the global cruise players have also shown keen interest in the Indian shorelines. According to the sources, Costa Cruises will commence its domestic sailing in the country by the end of this year in November. With the homeport in Mumbai connecting to Goa and Kochi, Costa will be deploying its new fleet in India for the first time.
This growing prominence of the Indian market in the global cruise tourism industry is evident as more global cruise players seek to enter the country’s shorelines. This also reflects the increasing confidence and experiential mindset of Indian travellers, who are embracing cruising as a preferred travel option. The demand for unique and immersive experiences is driving the surge in cruise tourism in India, paving the way for remarkable growth and exciting opportunities in the sector.
This, presided by the dialogues exchanged at the upcoming TWG meet, could also inspire other international cruise brands to look at the potential of the India market.
