Jan 2020

COVER STORY
India has a vast expanse of land which is blessed
with water on three sides and pristine locations across
multiple idyllic islands. The diversified flora and fauna
gives a respite from the daily humdrum of the city
life, while authentic cuisine is worth relishing in this
ethnically diverse country we reside in. Our country is
abundantly diverse both culturally and geographically,
which opens a whole new dimension of tourism which
is multifaceted in nature.
“The economy boosting
potential of the cruise
industry is evident from
the estimates of $100-150
direct and indirect revenue
generation from a single
foreign cruise passenger
visit.”
Cruise tourism in India has had a recent genesis in
our county. It has always been viewed for the elite and
not the middle class, while also owing a reputation to
burn a hole in your pocket! With the recent attempts
to introduce budget cruises, along with an economic
turn with leisure activities gaining momentum and
more disposable income, the cruise tourism industry
has started sprawling. On a global scale cruise tourism
began somewhere in the year 1844 when the Peninsular
and Oriental Steam Navigation Company expanded
its passenger operations from transportation
to leisure cruising, operating sailings from England to
the Mediterranean. The concept of travelling by sea
was dying out after world war two and people preferred
travelling by air for obvious factors. The face of the
modern cruise industry took shape around the 1980s.
The industry of cruise tourism in India has immense
potential. The country is bestowed with 7516 Km of
coastline which is the untapped potential of our country.
The economy boosting potential of the cruise industry
is evident from the estimates of $100-150 direct
and indirect revenue generation from a single foreign
cruise passenger visit. This also aids in boosting the
importance of natural heritage of our country. This
unique sector of the tourism industry has also run a
long way to grow out of its stereotypical image of being
targeted to the niche segment; from exclusive in nature
to accessible and affordable. It is growing both as
a leisure and social activity and hence its development
is paramount.
India is a popular cruise destination- currently ranking
ninth in the global list of popular destinations. In
India there is a general lack of awareness regarding
cruise tourism and there is little to no realization pertaining
to the advantages it offers for the Indian market
and the contribution to the economic growth. India and
its diversity have attracted visitors from far and wide
since ages and this is a prime reason for availability of
developed tourist destinations. While considering development
of cruise development in India, a majority of
the tourist attractions are located near the coastal areas
and hence the development will be essential and
beneficial for the magnification of cruising.
However, the industry is still developing and India
as a country is yet to fully capitalize on the cruise industry.
Indian passengers only account to six percent
January 2020 | Littoral Wind | 10