Vasan sees big potential for cruise shipping news
04 November 2011

He also called for a special marketing strategy and focused promotion of cruise industry in the country.

The cruise shipping policy, approved by the government in 2008, provides for relaxation of cabotage for coastal runs by foreign flagships, conducive fiscal regime and development of facilities at ports. It also envisages rail, road, air and metro connectivity. Quick and hassle free immigration and custom clearance for the tourist has also been emphasised in this policy, the minister pointed out.

A steering committee headed by secretary (shipping) and comprising senior officers of shipping and tourism ministries has, meanwhile, identified five major ports, namely Goa, Chennai, Cochin, Mumbai and Mangalore, for development of cruise terminals. The committee has also recommended inclusion of travel by river cruise and coastal runs of cruise ships under LTC facilities provided for government employees.

He said the government is addressing all issues concerned with the development of cruise shipping in the country like creating port infrastructure, cruise terminals, providing financial incentives and reducing tax burdens, and establishing an institutional framework for holistic development of cruise shipping.

Ports are also earmarking funds from their own resources for development of cruise related Infrastructure. Dedicated cruise vessel facility is currently available at Chennai, New Mangalore, Kochi, Mumbai and VOC Port at Tuticorin. Cruise terminals are also being developed at other ports like Murmagao and Kolkata.

National waterways also offer day cruise facilities as well as long distance cruises. Presently, regular river cruises are operative on Kolkata-Varanasi, Kolkata-Murshidabd, Kolkata-Semaria and Sunderbans.





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Vasan sees big potential for cruise shipping