PANJIM: The Mormugao Port Trust’s quest to increase revenue has been at the forefront ever since the ban on mining came into force. The dramatic drop in the number of foreign tourists in the 2015-16 season did not help matters. There could however be light at the end of a tunnel which was not visible until recently. The Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) is making a concerted effort to attract cruise ships to the port which could bring in business for various sectors in the local economy.
Speaking to the Herald Vipin Menoth, Traffic Manager revealed that in order to further facilitate cruise tourism, the port was now constructing an ultra-modern cruise terminal building at an estimated cost of Rs 8.79 crore which is expected to be completed by December 2016. The terminal building, he said would have all the modern facilities such as cafeteria, lounge, wi-fi connectivity, foreign exchange counter etc. The funds for the new cruise terminal have been provided in its entirety by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Asked what the challenges he faced he was rather succinct when he said “A lack of domestic demand, absence of awareness among the local mass about cruise tourism and the expensive connectivity to the port cities – vis-à-vis flights.”
Like a lot of things in life the success or failure of an initiative will depend on the actions of other parties. This being part of the tourism industry the role of agents cannot be ignored. In the cruise line business in Goa J M Baxi brought in more than 90% of the cruise business in the state. Captain Rajesh Saigal speaking to the Herald felt that Goa as a destination did not have to be sold internationally because everyone was aware of the culture and beauty in the state.
He said “Last year we brought in 24 cruise liners and this year’s we will bring in 26”. He said the service offered at the port was very good. It should, he said be a marriage between the private and public sector. The Goa government he said ensured that the passengers alighting from these cruises were welcomed by entertainment groups that presented all that was the very best of Goa culture. However like a lot of things in India, there are discrepancies that need to be worked out.
He said “The initiative to have visa on arrival was welcome all over the world. It is working very well at the airports and at the Goa airport one can see the increase in the number of foreign tourists coming in however this facility has not been extended at the port resulting in problems. It should be sorted out”.
He however added that the government was aware of this problem and it was being sorted out. He added that it was important to improve the infrastructure around the port as well as in the city. With traffic congestion on the rise it was now taking an hour to get out of Vasco and with ships docking for not more than 8-10 hours every minute was important.
Another important point raised by him was the large untapped market present in the country. He felt that there was a large middle class segment which was not being focused on and this was also perhaps due to the rules presently in place. The law at present does not encourage an Indian national to board for example in Mumbai and get off in Goa. It prohibits him or her from consuming duty free goods on the ship while he is travelling. He can of course do so if he or she is travelling abroad to say Singapore.
Presently due to the pricing policy followed by national airlines many Indian tourists keen on travelling on a cruise liner fly out to Singapore and board a ship for a couple of days. This also meant that Singapore was earning money on Indian tourists instead of India.
When Menoth was asked as to what he would like to see in terms of government policy to attract more cruises he said “ Since cruise is essentially a tourism related business, it would be of great help that the Ministry of Tourism grants extensive financial assistance to the port for creation of dedicated facilities, for full fledged terminal space, berths for exclusive use of cruise ships, yachts, marinas as well as provide concessions in terms of tax sops for the investors opting for purchasing cruise ships or similar high end ferries”.
Asked what kind of monies he expected would be pumped into the local economy he said that last year 21084 high net worth cruise tourists visited Goa. He said “ Even if assuming that they spend around 400 USD during the visit for availing various tours, purchase of souvenir and memorablia, availing taxi, tips, etc, this translates to pumping of well over Rs 50 cr per season to the Goan economy. If more cruise lines call, the Goan economy will be benefitted in terms of infusion of foreign exchange but more importantly, in providing gainful employment of youth of Goa, as large number of luxury coaches, tourist guides, taxi drivers, service providers, etc get employment”.
Asked what his vision was for the next five years in terms of revenue generation and number of luxury liners docking he said “The Port is continuously receiving confirmations and fresh inquires from several cruise lines confirming their itinerary and calls. As on date, cruise calls have been confirmed for the year and calls have been confirmed for 20. Many more confirmations are expected as the schedules draw close.
This indicates that Goa has etched its position as a major cruise destination of the region. Further, the port has taken steps to promote ferry service between Mumbai and Goa. This is intended to promote cruise tourism among the domestic tourist. Once this picks up, it is expected that similar cruise circuits connecting other ports would also come up. The port therefore, will consolidate its position as a major cruise port promoting both domestic and international cruise tourism”. He said he would be very happy if in the next five years they would have 40-45 cruise liners docking at port.
Cyril C George, Chairman, Mormugao Port Trust who said that it was important that the port play an important role in the economic life of the state and he was extremely confident that the glory days of the recent past would be upon them very soon.
