Indian government forms high-powered steering group

The Indian government has formed a high-powered steering group to create policy on cruise tourism in an attempt to lure more cruise liners to visit the area. Despite the attractions of the region, including the glories of the Goan beaches and India’s superb cuisine, history, art and shopping, Star Cruises has removed the Star Libra which had been sailing in Indian waters for two years.

The reasons given are the extension of India’s territorial waters and tax jurisdiction which have increased the cost of cruise operations. It also seems that insufficient infrastructure facilities at the ports of Mumbai, Lakshadweep and Goa contributed to the decision not to return to India for the 2008 season. This is all despite two initiatives launched in 2003: one to try and simplify immigration and customs procedures to minimise delays, and the other to develop infrastructure at all certain ports to encourage cruise liners to dock there. On the domestic front, Carnival Cruises is popular among Indian travellers wanting to visit the Bahamas and the Caribbean. On average, Carnival plays host to between 2,000 to 4,000 Indians holidaymakers annually.