The Indian government’s recently launched Cruise Bharat Mission is poised to reshape the nation’s cruise tourism landscape over the next five years. With an ambitious target of attracting one million cruise passengers and creating 400,000 new jobs by 2029, the mission aims to propel India into the ranks of top global destinations for cruise travel.
The mission’s success hinges on three key pillars:
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A dedicated cruise development fund:
This will provide financial support for infrastructure projects, marketing initiatives, and capacity building.*
Relaxation of cabotage laws:
This will open the door for both domestic and international cruise lines to operate within Indian waters, boosting competition and expanding cruise itineraries.*
Financial incentives:
These will encourage private sector investment in the cruise tourism industry, facilitating the development of new cruise terminals, marinas, and tourism infrastructure.The Cruise Bharat Mission will unfold in three strategic phases:
Phase 1 (October 2024 – October 2025):
This initial phase focuses on gathering comprehensive market insights and identifying key projects that require regulatory and financial support. The government will conduct in-depth studies to pinpoint high-potential cruise destinations and circuits, laying the groundwork for future development.Phase 2 (2025 – 2027):
In this phase, the focus shifts towards the development of critical cruise infrastructure, including modern cruise terminals, marinas, and new tourist destinations. This phase will establish a network of high-traffic locations equipped to handle the increasing number of cruise calls.Phase 3 (2027 – 2029):
This final phase will see the integration of all cruise circuits across the Indian subcontinent, creating a seamless and interconnected network of destinations that caters to both domestic and international travelers.To oversee the efficient execution of this ambitious plan, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be established under the Indian Ports Association (IPA). This entity will be responsible for managing cruise infrastructure development. Furthermore, a ‘cruise development cess’ will be levied at major ports, generating revenue for the mission’s special fund, which will also be supported by contributions from industry stakeholders.
One of the central goals of the Cruise Bharat Mission is to significantly boost employment opportunities. The initiative plans to create 400,000 jobs by establishing National Occupational Standards (NOS) specifically tailored for the cruise industry. This effort will be spearheaded by various skill councils under the National Skill Development Council, focusing on empowering youth and nurturing specialized talent within the sector.
To further enhance India’s appeal as a cruise tourism destination, the mission also aims to forge Cruise Alliances with neighboring countries such as the UAE, Maldives, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. These strategic partnerships will strengthen India’s regional cruise connectivity, paving the way for new cruise routes and expanding the scope of cruise tourism across the Indian Ocean region.
