India Launches Cruise Bharat Mission to Boost Tourism

October 1, 2024

The ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ is a new project launched by the Indian government to promote cruise tourism in India. Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal officially inaugurated at Mumbai port on the cruise ship ‘Empress’. The mission aims to tap into India’s potential as a major cruise destination and increase the number of people who travel by cruise ships. The goal is to double cruise passenger traffic by the year 2029.

Aims of the Mission

The main purpose of the Cruise Bharat Mission is to make India a global center for cruise tourism. The mission will focus on improving infrastructure like cruise terminals, marketing India as a great place for cruises, and developing the overall cruise experience step-by-step.

Three-Phase Plan for Cruise Tourism

The Cruise Bharat Mission will be carried out in three phases:

Phase 1 (2024-2025): The focus will be on conducting studies, creating master plans, and building partnerships with nearby countries. It will also include upgrading existing cruise terminals and marinas.

Phase 2 (2025-2027): In this phase, the government will start building new cruise terminals and expand cruise destinations that have high potential.

Phase 3 (2027-2029): This phase will focus on integrating cruise routes across the Indian subcontinent and continuing to develop the cruise infrastructure and tourist spots.

What are the Performance Targets?

The Cruise Bharat Mission has specific goals:

Sea Cruise Passengers: The mission aims to increase the number of sea cruise passengers from 0.5 million in the first phase to 1 million by the third phase.

River Cruise Passengers: For river cruises, the mission plans to increase passengers from 0.5 million to 1.5 million.

What are the Key Pillars of the Mission?

The mission is built on five main pillars to ensure its success:

Sustainable Infrastructure & Capital: Building world-class cruise terminals and marinas while focusing on environmental sustainability like reducing carbon emissions.

Technology and Operations: Making cruise operations more efficient using advanced technology and digital processes like e-clearance systems.

Cruise Promotion & Circuit Integration: Promoting India’s cruises on an international level and connecting various cruise circuits to offer tourists a seamless experience.

Supportive Policies: Developing regulations and financial policies that are tailored to encourage growth in the cruise tourism sector.

Capacity Building and Research: Creating job opportunities by promoting skill development and conducting research on cruise-related industries.

Expected Impact of the Mission

The Cruise Bharat Mission is expected to create 400,000 new jobs and improve the cruise experience for travelers. This will have a positive impact on local communities and economies, especially in coastal regions. The mission is part of India’s larger plan to use its Blue Economy, which focuses on the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, and to transform India into a key player in global maritime tourism.

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