Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal just kicked off the Cruise Bharat Mission from Mumbai Port, setting sail to transform India’s cruise tourism scene. This ambitious mission is all about tapping into the country’s massive potential in cruise tourism and doubling cruise passenger traffic by 2029. Yep, by 2029, India plans to be the global hub for all things cruise, with Cruise Bharat Mission leading the charge!
Targeting ocean, river, inland, and island cruises, this mission will unfold in three phases, running until March 31, 2029. Launched aboard the “Empress” cruise ship, Sonowal hailed the Cruise Bharat Mission as a game-changer for India’s maritime industry, stating it’s about time the untapped potential of the country’s Blue Economy gets its moment in the sun.
This mission focuses on infrastructure development, elevating tourist experiences, and sustainability. It aims to develop world-class cruise terminals and boost the country’s coastal and river routes for tourism and trade.
With the Cruise Bharat Mission leading the way, India is setting sail toward becoming the next big thing in global cruise tourism. Anchors aweigh for a new era of luxury and adventure on the high seas!
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Cruise Bharat Mission’s 3-Phase Plan to Make India a Global Cruise Hub by 2029
The Cruise Bharat Mission has set sail with an ambitious plan to transform India into a cruise tourism powerhouse. This exciting initiative will roll out in three phases from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2029. Here’s how it breaks down:
Phase 1 will focus on research, planning, and forging cruise partnerships with neighboring countries. Upgrades to existing cruise ports, marinas, and tourist hotspots are on the agenda to boost India’s cruise circuit appeal.
Phase 2 takes things up a notch by developing more marinas, terminals, and destinations tailored to high-potential cruise routes, expanding India’s cruise infrastructure.
Phase 3 is where the magic happens—connecting all cruise circuits across the Indian Subcontinent, signaling a fully developed cruise ecosystem.
Also read: 9 Incredible Newest Cruise Ships 2024 | Discover Now!
The numbers are just as impressive! The Cruise Bharat Mission aims to boost sea cruise passengers from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1 million by Phase 3. River cruise passengers will skyrocket from 0.5 million to 1.5 million.
By 2047, India expects to have 5 million sea cruise passengers and 1,100 cruise calls annually, creating 400,000 jobs. International cruise terminals will increase from 2 to 10, and river cruise terminals will jump from 50 to 100. The Cruise Bharat Mission isn’t just about tourism—it’s a blueprint for India’s cruise domination!
Cruise Bharat Mission’s 3 Epic Cruise Segments You Can’t Miss!
The Cruise Bharat Mission is all set to make waves with three exciting segments of cruise tourism, offering something for every traveler!
- Ocean & Harbour Cruise: Think ocean voyages, coastal getaways, deep-sea adventures, and yachting trips that set sail from India’s scenic harbors.
- River & Inland Cruise: This is your ticket to exploring India’s breathtaking rivers, serene canals, magical backwaters, and picturesque lakes.
- Island Cruise: For the adventurer at heart, this segment offers live-aboard experiences, boutique cruises to hidden gems, lighthouse tours, and inter-island trips.
With the Cruise Bharat Mission, India is charting a course to become a top global destination for cruise lovers, catering to ocean explorers, river wanderers, and island hoppers alike!
Cruise Bharat Mission Unveils Game-Changing Plans to Boost India’s Cruise Tourism!
The Cruise Bharat Mission is pulling out all the stops to turn India into a global cruise tourism hotspot. The Ministry is launching a special purpose vehicle (SPV) under the Indian Ports Association (IPA) to drive cruise development. To fund it, a ‘cruise development cess’ will be levied at major ports, with proceeds fueling a special cruise fund. This fund will also get financial support from industry sources, boosting cruise growth across India.
The Centre plans to conduct a demand assessment and study business models for cruise offerings to better understand what the industry needs. In the works are relaxed regulations for Indian-flagged cruise ships and financial incentives for new developments. They’re also setting technical standards for world-class terminals, marinas, water aerodromes, and heliports. A National Cruise Infrastructure Master Plan 2047 will guide long-term growth, with Model Concession Agreements developed for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
On the job front, Cruise Bharat Mission aims to create nearly 500,000 new positions by setting National Occupational Standards (NOS) through the National Skill Development Council. And to expand India’s cruise reach, the government is working on forming Cruise Alliances with neighboring countries like the UAE, Maldives, Singapore, and others.
With these exciting steps, the Cruise Bharat Mission is set to make India’s cruise sector sail into a new era of growth and adventure!
