PANJIM: Union Minister of State for Tourism Shripad Naik on Monday said that cruise tourism holds immense potential not only for the State tourism but for the entire country as it provides employment opportunities, add to tax revenue and fostering economic growth.
Speaking at the side event on the theme ‘Making Cruise Tourism a Model for Sustainable and Responsible Travel’ before the Fourth Tourism Working Group of G20, Naik said that Goa has something for everyone from backpackers to the luxury traveller.
He said that the architecture of Goa is a fusion of captivating Portuguese bungalows and modern hotels and added that the State is also known for its internationally renowned festivals like Goa Carnival, EDM festival, which attract tourists from across the world. These show the rich cultural tapestry of the State and provide visitor with unforgettable experience.
Addressing the side event on Cruise Tourism, Union Minister for Tourism G Kishan Reddy said India’s 7,500-km-long coastline makes her a leader in the maritime sector and its rich maritime history is evident from the sphere of influence that India’s civilisation and culture has been able to create across Asia.
Reddy highlighted that the cruise passenger traffic grew from 1.26 lakh in 2015-2016 to 4.68 lakh in 2019-2020. He also said that cruise vessel traffic increased from 128 in 2015-16 to 451 in 2019-20. He said that Indian cruise tourism is like peace far away from the stress of life and experiencing life through natural surroundings. He also said that Indian Cruise Tourism, offers something for everyone in the family.
Cruise tourism appeals to those looking for multi-generational travel options.
“Today 73 per cent of cruise travellers are sailing with family members that represent at least two generations,” he said. The Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways is also working towards the development of dedicated terminals for cruise passengers and cruise vessels, he added.
Reddy also informed that a dedicated task force has been formulated on Cruise Tourism, jointly by the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Shipping. Waterdromes at 16 locations are being developed to enable sea-plane operations and are also aiming at domestic and international cruise terminal development at selected ports by 2023. The Union government is working for the upgradation and modernisation of the Ports, rationalisation of port fees, removing ousting charges, granting priority berthing to cruise ships, providing e-visa facilities etc, to promote Cruise Tourism in India.
The promotion of coastal tourism through beach tourism, Light-house tourism and Cruise tourism will help communities such as fishing communities, to find other livelihood opportunities, and supplement their existing income. The government has drawn up a programme for developing tourism in the land next to more than 75 light-houses.
The second side event was organised on the theme ‘Towards a circular economy of Plastics in Tourism -The global Tourism Plastic initiative’
Reddy later signed MoU with Airbnb to jointly promote heritage homesteads.