India (Commonwealth Union)_ In a major development for the tourism industry, the Indian government has officially launched the Cruise Bharat Mission, a five-year initiative aimed at boosting cruise tourism in the country. Inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at Mumbai Port aboard the cruise ship Empress, this ambitious mission seeks to attract one million cruise passengers annually by 2029 and create 400,000 jobs in the sector. Additionally, the Cruise Bharat Mission launch event also saw the attendance of prominent figures in the cruise industry, such as Rahul Narvekar, Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly; T.K. Ramchandran, Secretary of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for the Government of India; and Jurgen Bailom, CEO of Cordelia Cruises, along with other distinguished guests.
The vision behind the Cruise Bharat Mission
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cruise Bharat Mission aims to position India as a global hub for cruise tourism. This initiative is designed to tap into the immense potential of India’s extensive coastline and inland waterways, which remain largely unexplored. Accordingly, Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that the mission marks a pivotal moment in the revitalization of India’s cruise sector, aiming to transform the maritime landscape by enhancing infrastructure and optimizing the cruise experience for travelers.
Understanding cruise tourism
Cruise tourism is among the fastest-growing segments of the global leisure industry. It encompasses all-inclusive holidays on cruise ships that visit multiple ports or cities. These floating resorts provide a wide array of attractions, activities, and amenities, making them destinations in their own right. Globally, the cruise industry has faced challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, regions like North America and Europe continue to dominate the market, particularly with river cruises along prominent waterways. In India, the potential for cruise tourism is immense, given the country’s rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. While the domestic river cruise industry is still budding, primarily focusing on the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, the economic opportunities are vast. The sector is projected to grow from an estimated $110 million to an impressive $5.5 billion in the coming years, provided the necessary infrastructure and support systems are put in place.
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The framework of the Cruise Bharat Mission
The Cruise Bharat Mission is structured into three phases:
- Phase 1 (October 2024 – September 2025): This initial phase will concentrate on comprehensive studies and master planning. Efforts will also be made to modernize existing cruise terminals and enhance partnerships with neighboring countries to create a robust cruise network.
- Phase 2 (October 2025 – March 2027): The focus will shift to the construction of new cruise terminals and marinas, specifically targeting high-potential locations to activate cruise circuits.
- Phase 3 (April 2027 – March 2029): The final phase aims to integrate cruise circuits across the Indian subcontinent, ensuring a cohesive cruise ecosystem while continuing to develop infrastructure.
Furthermore, the expected outcomes are ambitious. The government aims to increase sea cruise passengers from 500,000 in Phase 1 to one million by the conclusion of Phase 3. Additionally, river cruise passengers are expected to grow from 500,000 to 1.5 million in the same timeframe and ultimately to 5 million by the year 2047.
Economic and employment prospects
The Cruise Bharat Mission not only targets passenger growth but also envisions the creation of substantial employment opportunities. The initiative is projected to generate around 400,000 new jobs within the cruise sector. This job creation is expected to have a positive effect on local economies, particularly in coastal regions, where tourism activities can provide a significant boost to livelihoods.
Key segments of focus
The mission highlights three primary cruise segments:
- Ocean and Harbor Cruises: This segment includes deep-sea and coastal voyages, as well as harbor-based sailing experiences.
- River and Inland Cruises: Targeting cruises that navigate through canals, lakes, and backwaters, this segment is vital for tapping into India’s unique waterways.
- Island Cruises: This segment emphasizes inter-island journeys, lighthouse tours, and boutique cruises to less-explored destinations.
Strategic pillars for success
The Cruise Bharat Mission operates on five strategic pillars, ensuring a holistic approach to development:
- Sustainable Infrastructure & Capital: Development of world-class terminals and marinas, alongside a National Cruise Infrastructure Masterplan aimed at digitalization and decarbonization.
- Operations Including Technology Enabled: Implementation of digital solutions for seamless embarkation and disembarkation processes.
- Cruise Promotion & Circuit Integration: Focused on international marketing efforts and establishing comprehensive cruise circuits across the nation.
- Regulatory, Fiscal & Financial Policy: Crafting policies and regulations tailored to the unique needs of the cruise tourism sector.
- Capacity Building and Economic Research: Promoting skill development and employment opportunities for youth in the cruise industry.
Boosting the blue economy and maritime tourism
The Cruise Bharat Mission aligns with India’s broader vision of leveraging its Blue Economy, which emphasizes the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth. By enhancing maritime tourism, the mission is set to transform India into a pivotal player in the global cruise market, while also contributing to environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the Cruise Bharat Mission represents a transformative approach to maritime tourism in India. By fostering growth, creating jobs, and enhancing infrastructure, the initiative is poised to elevate India’s status as a premier cruise destination by 2047. As the country embarks on this journey, the potential benefits for local communities, the economy, and the tourism industry are vast, promising a bright future for India’s maritime tourism sector.
