India-Singapore talks are on for promoting cruise tourism
Nithin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport, Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, said that discussion are on with Singapore to develop cruise tourism at various locations in India. “We are keen on promoting cruise tourism on a mega-scale in the country. Mumbai alone is expected to have 950 cruise vessels in the coming five years,” added the minister who was addressing the delegation from ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in Delhi on 18th July 2018.
“Around one lakh Indians visit Singapore every year for cruise tourism. We have large scope for developing cruise tourism in India, with our 7,500 kilometers of coast line and we think Singapore can play a key role in making it happen,” he said.
Facilities for cruise tourism will be developed in various locations, including Goa, Mumbai, Puthuchery, Chennai and Kochi.
India has taken several steps to promote cruise tourism, like relaxing the government policies and enticing global consultants.
Earlier the minister said that a policy is under formulation to put India on the global map of cruise tourism, both for oceans and rivers. By this the government is expecting to generate around 2.5 lakh job opportunities, which in turn will contribute to the development of the country.
India have 12 major ports, in which only Mumbai, Goa, Cochin, New Mangalore and Chennai have facilities to berth international cruise ships.
