Cruise tourism to enter third phase, targets three lakh jobs; Vizhinjam among 10 ports in Centre’s Cruise Bharat Mission

KOCHI: The Centre has promised to create three lakh jobs by expanding international cruise tourism beyond Mumbai and Kochi to 10 ports, including Vizhinjam in Kerala. The expansion will take place as the Centre’s water tourism initiative, the Cruise Bharat Mission, enters its third phase next April. The Centre expects to achieve the employment target by 2029, when the third phase is scheduled to be completed.

The ports of Goa, Chennai and New Mangalore have also been included in the network. The Kerala government has submitted a proposal for a cruise terminal at Vizhinjam under Mission Samudra.

An average of 4.7 lakh people travel on cruises in India every year. The number is expected to double by 2029. The country’s 7,500-km coastline, stretching along its eastern and western shores, is expected to become a major attraction for cruise tourism.

Around 5,000 km of inland waterways are also covered under the Cruise Bharat Mission. The number of passengers using river cruises is expected to rise from five lakh to 15 lakh in the third phase.

The first phase of the mission focused on preparing a master plan, conducting feasibility studies, framing regulatory guidelines and building partnerships. The second phase focused on identifying new destinations, developing terminals, building marinas and digitising customs and immigration procedures.

Modern facilities have also been introduced at the Sagarika Terminal in Kochi. An AI-based face detection corridor will enable passengers to complete all verification procedures as they walk through it.

Sectors expected to generate 3 lakh jobs

1. Hospitality and onboard services: Hotel staff, guest relations personnel and entertainment professionals.
2. Port terminal operations: Facility management, passenger handling, security and logistics.
3. Vessel operations: Crew members, technical staff and navigators.
4. Local tourism and related services: Shore excursions for cruise passengers, accommodation, craft shops and local restaurants.

Cruise tourism revenue

- Current annual revenue: Rs 1,300 crore
- Target for 2030: Rs 4,500 crore