|
The Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Thiru T. R. Baalu has said that it would be the Government's endeavor to develop cruise shipping as the sector holds immense economic potential. He was speaking at the Second Meeting of the Consultative Committee of Members of Parliament attached with the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, here yesterday. The subject for the Meeting was Cruise Shipping.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said, "Cruise Shipping is a fast growing sector globally. As a departure from the concept of cargo and passenger ships, cruise is like a moving township studded with all state of art facilities including all types of recreational activities. The idea is fast catching because journey on a cruise is not only pleasurable, but also almost free from sea travel health hazards. Experience in the Caribbean, Latin American and South-East Asian countries indicates that huge amount of foreign exchange can be earned by providing the right policy environment and infrastructure for the growth of cruise shipping. India with its vast and beautiful coastline, virgin forests and undisturbed idyllic islands, long historical and cultural tradition of architecture, theatre and performing arts can be a fabulous tourist destination for cruise tourists. The global scenario for cruise shipping is picking up very fast, with an annual increment from 10-20 per cent in the cruise ship fleet and passengers.
Indian coastline is unfortunately not witnessing the same growth pattern as mentioned above. Hence, the sector requires a strong policy intervention by the Government of India for its stimulated growth.
The current scenario in India is not quite encouraging. From the year 2000 to the current year, the number of cruise vessels calling at and the number of passengers carried to Indian Ports is fluctuating. The year 2001 was quite good from Indian standards and a total number of 45,521 cruise passengers arrived in ports like Mumbai, Cochin and Mormugao. This figure declined to 18,081 in 2001-02 and further declined to 11,850 in 2002-03. This year, however, some growth is noticed.
With the Indian economy growing at an impressive growth rate of 7 per cent to 9 per cent per annum, disposable incomes of a large section of Indian society is also increasing. More and more people in fact are having more and more money to spend on entertainment and pleasure. Therefore, besides attracting foreign tourists on cruise lines, India should also target this group for growth of this sector.
A Committee was constituted by Ministry of Shipping in June, 2003 under the chairpersonship of Chairman of Mumbai Port to review rules, regulations applicable to cruise vessels and cruise passengers. It has made several recommendations in respect of Port and Port Health Authorities, Custom Authorities, Immigration Authorities etc.
Keeping in view the importance of this activity a high power Steering Group has been set up recently. The first meeting of this Group was held on 14th December 2004 in which the draft Concept and Policy Paper for Cruise Shipping in India was discussed at length".
Apart from the Chaiman of the Consultative Committee, Shri T.R. Baalu, the meeting was also attended by Shri K.H. Muniappa, Minister of State in the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways.The Members of Parliament also attended the meeting are :Shri M. Rajamohan Reddy, Smt. D. Purandareswari, Shri Anantha Venkatarami Reddy, Shri Harishchandra D. Chavan, Dr. H.T. Samgliana, Shri Vinod Khanna, Ms. V. Radhika Selvi, Dr. R. Senthil, Shri Laxman Rao Patil, Shri Hari Kewal Prasad.
|
