India`s first cruise tourism terminal at Kochi |
In a major boost to tourism and heralding a new era in cruise business, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sagarika International Cruise Terminal on 14th February 2021 at the south east coastal city of Kochi in Kerala state. Adding another landmark in Kochi in the Arabian Sea pushes India into the league of major cruise destinations globally. According to the Cochin Port Trust figures, 44 cruise vessels called at the port during the financial year 2019-20. This number was constant in the last decade during which Kochi is being positioned for the cruise tourism business. The cruise vessel handling facility is being enhanced with the inauguration of Sagarika. 2020 has been a virtual washout for the entire tourism industry due to the outbreak of COVID-19. But the facility is being uplifted now. The Cochin Port Trust has catered to the requirements of major cruise operators in the industry. Major operators are said to be happy with the Kochi facility. The cruisers calling at Kochi on a regular basis include Cunard Line, Royal Caribbean Line, AIDA Cruises and Costa Cruises. A dedicated terminal, that is fully air-conditioned and serving the cruise ship requirements, provides all statutory clearances, including Customs and Immigration, for cruise passengers. Other amenities included walk-in-berthing, assured quality bunkers and fresh water services. India has relaxed cabotage restrictions for cruise vessels so that it is possible to transport Indians from one port to another in the country on foreign cruise vessels transiting through the country`s waters. The location of Kochi, close to the sites in Mattancherry and Fort Kochi that have a rich historic legacy, has added strength to the importance of the port as a major cruise destination. The backwater tourism in Alappuzha and spice destinations in Idukki are also close enough to draw major tourist operations.
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