Today, the Mumbai Port Authority is organising a national conference titled “Waterways to Wonder: Unlocking Cruise Tourism” in partnership with the Indian Ports Association (IPA) and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). In addition to promoting discussion on sustainable development, regulatory backing, and strategic planning to establish India as a major cruise destination worldwide, the event seeks to highlight the expanding potential of cruise tourism in India.
Along with industry experts from the shipping and tourist sectors, the conference will include representatives from the Maharashtra Tourist Development Corporation (MTDC), the Ministry of Tourism, and other central and state authorities. Presentations, panel discussions, and talks on cruise tourism policy, regulatory levers, the creation of cultural and coastal itineraries, and the implementation of smart and green port operations will all be covered at the event, according to an official statement. A presentation from NAVIC Cell 4, a specialised section of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), will be one of the event’s primary attractions.
The unit was created to help ferry growth and to promote tourism focused on rivers, seas, and lighthouses. NAVIC Cell 4 states that “the vision is to make India a global hub for cruise tourism by creating sustainable cruise circuits.” The keynote speaker will be Vijay Kumar, the chairman of IWAI and the leader of NAVIC Cell 4. Under his direction, IWAI has played a significant role in enhancing cruise connectivity and inland waterway transportation, emphasising environmentally sustainable infrastructure, creative policy, and cutting-edge technology.
The development of themed cruise circuits, global best practices in cruise terminal management, regulatory and operational mechanisms to promote growth, cruise tourism strategy and frameworks, and the integration of digital and environmentally sustainable practices in port operations are among the topics on the event’s agenda. A preview of India Marine Week 2025, which will take place in October and showcase advancements in the marine industry, international collaborations, and new investment prospects, will conclude the conference.
Modernising ports via Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concepts is part of India’s larger maritime policy. With a long-term goal of 10,000 MTPA by 2047, the government wants to increase the nation’s freight handling capacity from 2,760 MTPA to 3,500 MTPA by 2030.
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