Mumbai cruise tourism conference will explore policy initiatives for industry growth
Delhi: Mumbai Port Trust will organise a cruise tourism conference on Monday featuring government officials and industry stakeholders who will discuss policy frameworks and growth strategies for India’s emerging cruise sector.
The conference, titled ‘Waterways to Wonder: Unlocking Cruise Tourism,’ will bring together representatives from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Indian Ports Association (IPA) in Mumbai on August 18. Officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation will participate in presentations and panel discussions focused on expanding India’s cruise tourism infrastructure.
Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Chairman of IWAI, will deliver the keynote address as the Nodal Officer of NAVIC Cell 4. The specialised cell, established by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, focuses on developing ocean, river and lighthouse tourism alongside ferry operations across India’s waterways.
Government Officials Will Outline Strategic Vision for Cruise Tourism Development
The half-day event will feature discussions on cultural and coastal itineraries, cruise terminal operations, and environmental strategies for port development. NAVIC Cell 4 will present achievements in tourism and ferry reforms, highlighting the government’s vision to establish India as a global cruise tourism hub through sustainable ocean and river cruise circuits.
Industry experts will participate in panel discussions, including Shri Vikas Narwal, IAS, Managing Director of IPA, and Shri AK Bansal, Chief Engineer at IWAI. Representatives from private cruise operators, including Antara Cruises/Heritage River Journeys Private Limited and Nordic Cruiseline Private Limited, will share insights on operational challenges and market opportunities.
The cruise tourism conference will address regulatory frameworks, smart terminal technologies, and green port initiatives designed to support sector growth. IWAI officials will outline the authority’s progress in developing inland water transport systems and promoting river cruise tourism through technology-enabled operations and infrastructure improvements.
Officials will conclude the event with details about India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled for October. The upcoming maritime conference will showcase technological advancements and international collaboration opportunities in India’s shipping and ports sector, supporting both domestic growth and global partnerships in the maritime industries.
