Vizhinjam, Kerala: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, chaired a Stakeholders Meeting today aimed at enhancing lighthouse tourism in Vizhinjam, Kerala. Organized by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), a branch of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), the meeting focused on conceptualizing and strategizing the promotion of lighthouses as unique tourism destinations.
“More than 500,000 tourists visited the lighthouses between April and June 2024, validating the vision of transforming these iconic maritime structures into vibrant tourist hotspots as envisioned by PM Narendra Modi ji,” remarked Sonowal. He emphasized that new facilities, including a Sound and Light show at Vizhinjam Lighthouse, will be developed with a particular focus on accessibility for the elderly and specially-abled individuals.
Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary approach, the meeting underscored the government’s commitment to promoting lighthouse tourism and revitalizing these historical structures as significant tourist destinations. Sonowal highlighted the potential economic benefits for local communities through increased tourism and called for collaboration among government bodies, tourism agencies, local communities, and private sector stakeholders.
“India’s diverse geography brings immense opportunities to showcase our rich culture, social ethos, and history. Lighthouses, besides serving as marine guidance tools, are beacons of rich historical accounts with the potential to transform into centers of tourism. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the union government decided to celebrate lighthouses as symbols of our rich maritime heritage by developing and promoting them as tourist destinations. The ministry remains committed to revitalizing the lighthouses to foster economic development and celebrate the cultural heritage of India’s coastline,” said Sonowal.
The stakeholders’ meeting highlighted strategies to transform lighthouses into tourism facilities. In February, the Prime Minister dedicated 75 lighthouses with tourist facilities across 10 states and UTs during the 75th episode of Mann Ki Baat.
To enhance the visitor experience, several new tourism facilities have been developed at Vizhinjam Lighthouse. These include a children’s play area, an acupressure pathway, a musical fountain, and a lift facility to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Additionally, selfie points with animal statues, a cafeteria, a gazebo for relaxation, and battery-operated cars for easier transportation of elderly and specially-abled tourists have been added, making Vizhinjam Lighthouse a more attractive and accessible destination for all visitors. These enhancements are expected to significantly increase the average monthly footfall of around 15,000 in the coming months.
Under the visionary Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030) initiative, the DGLL is actively promoting lighthouse tourism across India. This initiative aims to revitalize existing lighthouse facilities by repurposing them for alternative uses, including the development of heritage and maritime museums. Notable transformations include lighthouses in Chennai, Alleppey, Kannur, Vizhinjam, Thangasseri, Vypin in Kerala, and Chandrabhaga in Odisha. Furthermore, the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 seeks to develop lighthouses as tourist spots, fostering local economies and promoting cultural exchange.