Blitz Bureau
AIMING to propel the country’s cruise tourism industry by doubling cruise passenger traffic by 2029 ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ was launched the from the Mumbai port recently.
Speaking at the launch, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the Cruise Bharat Mission aims to excel in India’s vision to become a global hub for cruise tourism and promote the country as the leading global cruise destination. He said that the Government is committed to harnessing the tremendous potential of the Blue Economy of India.
“Cruise, with its tremendous potential in our country, has remained unexplored for long… Based on critical pillars of infrastructure development, amp up cruise experience for tourists and sustainability of resources, the three-phase Mission will develop world class infrastructure and enable growth of cruise tourism and maritime trade,” Sonowal said.
The five-year Cruise Bharat Mission aims to boost cruise tourism in India to 1 million passengers and create 400,000 jobs by 2029.
The mission includes setting up of a dedicated fund, easing of cabotage regulations and financial incentives. Union Minister of State, Shantanu Thakur said that the Cruise Bharat Mission is a visionary initiative that will open new horizons, create unprecedented opportunities, and place India at the forefront of the global cruise tourism industry.
