After the launch of India's first cruise between Male and Mumbai, the Union Ministry of Shipping gears up to develop sailings as a niche tourism sector in the country.
A global consultant, assigned by the ministry, zeroed on 5 probable international cruise circuits that comprise India-Dubai, India-Malaysia and Cochin-Colombo-Male-Seychelles.
A final call on which circuits should be taken for development on priority will be taken following the consultants submit a final report next month.
With a large coastline sprawling over an area of 7,500 km2, cruise tourism features a huge potential in India. Taxation complexities and inadequate infrastructure have, however, restricted its growth.
With tourism emerging as the prime source of revenue, India's government is looking at a few avenues to boost industry. In the cruise sector, some initiatives have been adopted, such as allowing license-free entry to foreign-flag ships carrying passengers at Indian ports, until 2024. E-visa facilities have been extended to 5 ports.
Currently, foreign cruise ships are allowed only in Chennai, Cochin and Mumbai.