Govt launches ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ to double cruise calls in 5 years

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ from the Mumbai port as the government aims to promote the country as the leading global cruise destination.

The programme aims to propel the country's cruise tourism industry by doubling cruise passenger traffic within five years by 2029, says Sonowal.

“The ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ will further build on this as it aims to double the volume of cruise calls from 254 in 2024 to 500 by 2030 and 1,100 by 2047. We are expecting a rise in passengers from 4.6 lakh in 2024 to 5 million by 2047. The mission also aims to create 4 lakhs employment in the cruise sector during this period,” Sonowal adds.

The Cruise India Mission will be implemented in three phases, beginning from 1 October 2024 up to 31 March 2029. Phase 1 will focus on conducting studies, master planning, and forming cruise alliances with neighbouring countries. It will also modernise existing cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to enhance the potential of cruise circuits.

Phase 2 will concentrate on developing new cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to activate high-potential cruise locations and circuits. Phase 3 will focus on integrating all cruise circuits across the Indian Subcontinent, marking the maturity of the cruise ecosystem while continuing the development of cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations.

“Key performance targets across the phases include increasing sea cruise passengers from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1 million by Phase 3, with corresponding increases in sea cruise calls from 125 to 500. River cruise passengers will grow from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1.5 million by Phase 3. The number of international cruise terminals will expand from 2 in Phase 1 to 10 by Phase 3, while river cruise terminals will increase from 50 to 100. Similarly, marinas will grow from 1 to 5, and employment generated will rise from 0.1 million to 0.4 million by the final phase,” the ministry says.

“The government is committed to harness the tremendous potential of Blue Economy of India. Cruise, with its tremendous potential in our country, has remained unexplored for long. With this visionary mission, it is aimed at transforming our maritime landscape and harness the potential of India’s vast coastline and waterways through cruise tourism. Based on critical pillars of infrastructure development, amp up cruise experience for tourists and sustainability of resources, the three phased mission will develop world class infrastructure and enable growth of cruise tourism and maritime trade,” says Sonowal.

The mission aims to continuously work towards the development of world-class infrastructure and destinations while leveraging technology to provide a seamless experience for embarkation, disembarkation, and destination visits. It aims to promote cultural, historical, and natural circuits of the Indian Subcontinent, ensuring growth for all stakeholders, including ports, cruise lines, vessel operators, tour operators, service providers, and local communities.

The Cruise India Mission targets three key cruise segments. First, the Ocean and Harbour Cruise segment encompasses ocean cruises, including deep-sea and coastal cruises, along with harbour-based yachting and sailing cruises. Second, the River and Inland Cruise segment focuses on river and inland cruises on canals, backwaters, creeks, and lakes. Lastly, the Island Cruise segment highlights inter-island cruises, lighthouse tours, live-aboard experiences, expedition cruises, and boutique cruises to lesser-known destinations.