New Mangalore Port Gears Up for Thriving Cruise Season with Sensitization Program
Mangaluru, Dec 04, 2023: As the cruise season prepares to kick off, New Mangalore Port anticipates a bustling season, starting with the Seven Seas Navigator vessel scheduled to dock on December 8, 2023.
With expectations set for 10 cruise vessels from the second week of December 2023 to the second week of May 2024, the port aims to make a substantial contribution to the local economy.
Post-COVID, the port envisions a surge in cruise calls in the coming years, with plans underway to attract domestic cruise visits to Mangalore. Building on previous initiatives to enhance the cruise passenger experience, the port organized a Cruise Tourism Sensitization Program on April 12, 2023, in collaboration with the Office of the Director, India Tourism, Bengaluru, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Dr AV Ramana, Chairman of NMPA, presided over the function, emphasizing the importance of fostering a positive tourism experience. KG Nath, Dy Chairman, NMPA, Mohamed Farouk, Director, Indian Tourism, Rajendra Prasad Pathak, DC, CISF, and N Manikya, Dy Director, Karnataka Tourism, were also present.
Mohamed Farouk highlighted the advantages of cruise tourism for regional economies, emphasizing its positive impact on revenue generation, employment opportunities, and overall economic growth in the country.
Dr AV Ramana echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to educate stakeholders on effectively handling cruise tourists. He recognized the government’s commitment to fostering tourism growth, urging collaboration among stakeholders in alignment with government initiatives.
The sensitization program aimed to raise awareness about the importance of cruise tourism and enhance collaboration among various stakeholders involved in handling cruise passengers and ships. Specific emphasis was placed on the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOP) for the movement of cruise vessels and passengers.
The program witnessed the participation of multiple agencies, including port authorities, customs, immigration, security (CISF), state government representatives, ship agents, cruise lines, tour operators, port health officers (PHO), and senior officers of the port, collectively working towards ensuring a smooth and thriving cruise season.
