Gujarat becomes the 1st state to start implementing Cruise Bharat Mission
“Gujarat Charts Ambitious Course for Cruise Tourism Growth with Landmark Stakeholder Consultation“
MUMBAI : In a significant move to unlock its vast coastal potential and establish itself as a premier cruise tourism destination, Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) spearheaded a pivotal “Cruise Shipping Policy Stakeholder Consultation” workshop on Friday at The Lalit, Mumbai. The event, themed “Cruise Shipping Policy of Gujarat: Unlocking Gujarat’s Coastal Potential for Cruise Tourism Growth,” brought together a confluence of policymakers, industry leaders, port authorities, and domain experts to deliberate on a comprehensive roadmap for developing a vibrant cruise ecosystem in Gujarat.
The day-long workshop aimed to gather crucial insights and foster collaborative dialogue to shape a robust and forward-looking Cruise Shipping Policy for the state. The proceedings commenced with an Inaugural Session, where Capt. Banshiva Ladva, Chief Nautical Officer (HQ) of the Gujarat Maritime Board, delivered the welcome address, setting a collaborative tone for the discussions. This was followed by an insightful inaugural address and context-setting by Shri Rajkumar Beniwal, IAS, Vice Chairman & CEO of the Gujarat Maritime Board. VC & CEO, GMB highlighted Gujarat’s maritime strengths, its strategic vision for port-led development, and the immense opportunities cruise tourism presents for economic growth and employment generation in the state. The session was formally inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp.
Session I, themed “Policy & Infrastructure- Laying the Foundation for India’s Cruise Growth,” featured a series of expert presentations. Shri Rajiv Jalota, IAS (Rtd.), Advisor to the Indian Ports Association, shed light on the “Cruise Bharat Mission: Translating Targets into Tangible Actions.” Shri Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairperson of the Mumbai Port Authority, discussed critical aspects of “Port Readiness & Berthing Policies.” Insights into “Simplifying On-Shore Processes” were provided by Shri Krishnaraj R IPS, FRRO Cochin, Ministry of Home Affairs. Shri Gautam Dey, CEO of Goa International Cruise Terminal, shared his expertise on “Terminal Infrastructure and Skill Development.”
A cornerstone of this session was the detailed presentation by Shri Rajkumar Beniwal, IAS, on “Gujarat’s Cruise Roadmap: Infrastructure & Investment Facilitation,” where he outlined GMB’s comprehensive plans for developing world-class cruise terminals, ancillary infrastructure, and attractive investment frameworks. Complementing this, Ms. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak, IAS, Managing Director & Commissioner of Tourism, Government of Gujarat, elaborated on “Developing Cruise-Ready Destinations & Shore Excursion Support,” emphasizing the importance of creating compelling tourism circuits and destinations for cruise passengers. Shri Krishnaraj R, IPS, Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Cochin highlighted the importance of swift and efficient immigration procedures and an evolving new technology to aid it better.
The session was further enriched by a Special Address from Shri Ashwani Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Ports and Transport Department, Government of Gujarat, who provided a high-level perspective on the state’s commitment to fostering the cruise sector. An interactive Q&A session followed, allowing for deeper engagement on the presented topics.
Following a networking break, Session II transitioned into a dynamic Panel Discussion titled “Cruise Industry Dialogue: Tackling Operational Realities & Growth Opportunities.” The panel was moderated by Shri Mihir Shah, Partner, Strategy and Transactions, EY India and consisted of 5 different themes.
The esteemed panel comprised leading industry figures including Capt. Sanjay Kushwaha, General Manager, BSM Cruises; Shri Vikas Narwal, IAS, Managing Director, IPA & CEO, Cruise Bharat Mission; Shri Saket Sahai, Assistant General Manager, JM Baxi & Co.; Shri Suhag Modi, Director, Akshar River Cruise- Akshar Group; Capt. Santosh Kumar Darokar, Principal Officer (I/C), Mercantile Marine Department; and Mr. Jasem Zaiton, Director – ZAITON Destinations Pvt Ltd. & SME, Cruise Bharat Mission. The panelists shared their invaluable operational insights, addressed existing challenges, and explored future growth avenues, fostering a rich exchange of ideas. This session also concluded with a Q&A, providing attendees the opportunity to interact directly with the industry stalwarts.
The workshop was followed by dedicated B2G (Business to Government) and G2G (Government to Government) meetings in the afternoon, facilitating further focused discussions and potential collaborations.
The workshop was a result of a proactive approach to Government of India’s Cruise Bharat Mission, launched by the Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal on 30th September 2024. This Mission shall pave the way for India to be become a global cruise hub by the start of the next decade. It aims to boost India’s cruise tourism industry, specifically targeting a tenfold increase in sea cruise tourists by 2029.