Latest news with #CruiseDialogue
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Union Minister virtually flags off cruise liner from Vizag to Chennai
The luxury cruise liner M.V. Empress, operated by Cordelia Cruises, which arrived at the Visakhapatnam International Cruise Terminal on Wednesday morning, was flagged off virtually by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal, for Chennai later in the evening. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu extended best wishes and assured all support for the promotion of cruise tourism in the State. Minister of State for MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur reaffirmed the Government of India's commitment to promoting Cruise Tourism across Indian Ports. Minister for Tourism Kandula Durgesh, who participated in the programme, emphasised the State government's proactive approach in developing tourist circuits and hubs, envisioning more cruise liners. Secretary, MoPSW T.K. Ramachandran described the flag-off of M.V. Empress as a historic milestone for Andhra Pradesh's cruise tourism journey and highlighted its potential to boost the local economy, in line with the Maritime India Vision. Special Chief Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Ajay Jain, assured full cooperation on behalf of the government to cruise tourism. Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) Chairperson M. Angamuthu said that the VPA would sponsor 5,000 students annually in cruise-led skill development programmes, generating employment and contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of coastal regions. He revealed plans to organise an Andhra-specific Cruise Dialogue to further accelerate Cruise Tourism development, in coordination with MoPSW, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Collector M. Harendhira Prasad, MP M. Sribharat, MLA Ch. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas and VPA Secretary T. Venu Gopal was present.
The Star
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean secretary-general urges stronger cruise tourism ties with India
JAKARTA: (Bernama) Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn has outlined actions to be taken under the Asean-India Tourism Work Plan 2023-2027 to advance cruise tourism cooperation between the two regions. Speaking virtually from Jakarta during the Asean-India Cruise Dialogue 2025 held in Chennai on Monday (June 30), he said the initiative provides a timely platform to deepen maritime tourism and strengthen regional connectivity. "The Cruise Dialogue offers a strategic platform to translate our shared aspirations into action. By working together, we can develop initiatives that link heritage, culture, and communities across our coastal regions,' he said in a video message released by the Asean Secretariat. Kao outlined several priorities under the work plan, including the development of integrated cruise circuits, enhancement of port infrastructure with digital systems, and promotion of joint investments in cruise-related services. He emphasised capacity-building in cruise operations and hospitality, especially targeting youth and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and called for stronger coordination through the Asean Task Force on Tourism and Transport. Sustainability was also a key theme, with calls to protect marine ecosystems, improve climate resilience, and harness digital platforms to enhance passenger experiences and operational coordination. "These areas of cooperation reflect the potential for Asean and India to lead in sustainable and inclusive cruise tourism,' Kao said, noting India's US$5 million contribution to the Asean-India Fund as a vital support mechanism. With over 40 cruise destinations in Asean and major port upgrades underway, he said the sector is emerging as a strategic growth area. The dialogue was held as part of the Asean-India Year of Tourism aimed at strengthening tourism ties between the two regions. Travel between Asean and India has been growing, with about 5.88 million Indian tourists visiting Asean last year and 660,000 visitors from Asean countries travelling to India, Kao added. - Bernama
