Mr Sonowal said, the launch of Costa Cruises’ domestic sailings in India is a momentous occasion that signifies the dawn of a new era in cruising and tourism. He said, this initiative is a step towards fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Dekho Apna Desh”. He added that in the last nine and a half years rapid development in our country has been possible due to the idealistic and strong leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
Mr. Sonowal said India has enhanced its focus on the cruise sector with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways actively promoting cruise tourism for its vast economic positive impact, the potential for job creation, for earning foreign exchange, amongst many other benefits. He said one of the key thrust areas is to develop cruise destinations at tourism places of coastal states and islands. He added that going forward, the objective is to increase the annual number of cruise passengers in India to 18 lakhs by 2030, up from the current figure of 4.72 lakhs.
Mr. Sonowal said the government is also planning to launch a well-defined and consistent cruise tourism policy in line with international standards and practices.
