The ‘Tourism Avenues - Waterways to Wonder: Unlocking Cruise Tourism’ conference was successfully held today in Mumbai. The event, organised by Mumbai Port Trust in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), brought together industry experts, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss the potential of cruise tourism in India and explore ways to unlock its growth.

As the nodal officer of NAVIC Cell 4 on tourism and ferries, Shri Vijay Kumar highlighted the progress made under the Cell on various fronts to advance the cruise tourism sector. He also outlined the initiatives taken by IWAI to develop and promote river cruise tourism, which has the potential to boost local economies and create new opportunities for stakeholders. These include the development of infrastructure such as jetties and terminals, as well as the promotion of sustainable tourism practices.

The event featured panel discussions on regulatory landscapes, government initiatives and tourism perspectives, with industry leaders sharing their insights and experiences. Representatives from Alaknanda Cruiseline and Heritage Cruises, along with officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Ports, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and others took part in it. The conference also included presentations on operational excellence, passenger experience and the potential for river cruise tourism in India. A short film on river cruise tourism was screened, highlighting the opportunities and challenges in this sector.

The event concluded with a presentation on India Maritime Week, scheduled for October, and participation opportunities.

The conference commenced with a welcome address by Shri Adesh Titarmare, Deputy Chairperson, Mumbai Port Authority, followed by a keynote address by Chief Guest Shri Vijay Kumar,, Chairman, IWAI. In his address, Shri Kumar highlighted the immense potential of cruise tourism in India, citing the country's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

 

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(Release ID: 2157724)