Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ to Boost India’s Cruise Tourism Industry

Mumbai: In a significant step towards positioning India as a global cruise tourism hub, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ today from the Mumbai port. This ambitious initiative aims to double India’s cruise passenger traffic within the next five years, with the goal of making India a top destination for cruise tourism by 2029.

Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, also graced the launch event, held onboard the cruise ship Empress. The Cruise Bharat Mission marks a transformative moment for India’s maritime and tourism industries, as it strives to tap into the untapped potential of the country’s vast coastline and inland waterways.

“The Cruise Bharat Mission is a watershed moment in India’s maritime and tourism sectors. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the government is committed to unlocking the tremendous potential of India’s Blue Economy through cruise tourism,” said Sonowal. He further explained that the mission, spanning three phases from October 2024 to March 2029, would develop world-class infrastructure and enhance the cruise experience, driving the growth of cruise tourism and maritime trade.

Three-Phased Strategy to Develop India’s Cruise Ecosystem

The Cruise Bharat Mission will be implemented in three phases:

• Phase 1 (October 2024 – September 2025): This phase will focus on conducting studies, master planning, and forming cruise alliances with neighboring countries. The modernization of existing cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations is a key priority during this period.
• Phase 2 (October 2025 – March 2027): During this phase, the mission will expand with the development of new cruise terminals and high-potential cruise locations, aiming to activate more cruise circuits.
• Phase 3 (April 2027 – March 2029): This phase will focus on integrating all cruise circuits across the Indian subcontinent and further expanding cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations.

Ambitious Growth Targets

The mission sets ambitious targets for cruise tourism growth across multiple segments. By the final phase, India aims to increase sea cruise passengers from 0.5 million to 1 million, and river cruise passengers from 0.5 million to 1.5 million. Additionally, the number of international cruise terminals will expand from 2 to 10, and river cruise terminals will grow from 50 to 100. Marinas will increase from 1 to 5, and the mission is expected to generate 0.4 million jobs by 2029, up from 0.1 million today.

Sonowal emphasized the mission’s focus on providing world-class infrastructure, sustainable growth, and a seamless travel experience for cruise passengers. The initiative will promote India’s cultural, historical, and natural circuits, creating opportunities for local communities, ports, cruise lines, and tour operators.

Transforming India’s Cruise Landscape

The Cruise Bharat Mission will promote three key cruise segments: Ocean & Harbour cruises, River & Inland cruises, and Island cruises. This includes deep-sea, coastal, and inter-island cruises, lighthouse tours, expedition cruises, and boutique cruises to lesser-known destinations.

Shri Shantanu Thakur highlighted the government’s focus on building a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem for cruise operators, tourists, and local communities. “This visionary mission will transform India into a world-class hub for cruise tourism, opening new vistas in tourism and harnessing the potential of our Blue Economy,” he said.

Strategic Pillars and Key Initiatives

The mission is structured around five strategic pillars:

1. Sustainable Infrastructure & Capital: This pillar will address infrastructure gaps, focusing on world-class terminals, marinas, and digitalization. It includes a National Cruise Infrastructure Masterplan 2047 and a dedicated Cruise Development Fund.
2. Operations Including Technology Enablement: Streamlining operations through digital solutions like e-clearance systems, facial recognition, and seamless embarkation/disembarkation processes.
3. Cruise Promotion & Circuit Integration: International marketing and the integration of cruise circuits, including partnerships with neighboring countries and hosting events like the “Cruise India Summit.”
4. Regulatory, Fiscal & Financial Policy: Tailored fiscal policies and cruise-specific regulations, including a National Cruise Tourism Policy.
5. Capacity Building & Economic Research: Emphasizing skill development and creating a Centre of Excellence for cruise-related research to promote employment in the cruise industry.

A Vision for India’s Cruise Tourism Future

The Cruise Bharat Mission envisions a remarkable future for India’s cruise tourism industry. By 2047, the mission aims to increase cruise calls from 254 to 1,100, and boost passenger numbers from 4.6 lakh in 2024 to 5 million. This will create vast opportunities for employment and economic growth.

The launch event witnessed participation from key industry leaders, including Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, T.K. Ramchandran, Secretary of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, and Jurgen Bailom, CEO of Cordelia Cruises, alongside other dignitaries, officials, and stakeholders.