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Key Points

Mumbai is set to host a major cruise tourism conference on August 18, organized by the Mumbai Port Trust, IWAI, and IPA. The event will explore policy frameworks, sustainable strategies, and growth opportunities in India's waterways sector. Key speakers include Vijay Kumar of IWAI, along with industry experts discussing infrastructure and passenger experience. The conference will also highlight India Maritime Week 2025, focusing on global maritime collaborations.

Key Points: Mumbai Hosts Cruise Tourism Conference to Boost Waterways Potential

  • Conference aims to boost India's cruise tourism with policy discussions
  • Focus on sustainable port strategies and smart operations
  • NAVIC Cell 4 to showcase recent cruise tourism reforms
  • Industry leaders to discuss passenger experience and infrastructure
2 min read

Mumbai to host 'waterways to wonder' cruise tourism conference on August 18

Mumbai Port Trust, IWAI, and IPA organize 'Waterways to Wonder' conference to unlock India's cruise tourism growth on August 18.

"Our goal is to position India as a global hub for cruise tourism through integrated ocean and river circuits. – Vijay Kumar, IWAI Chairman"

Mumbai, August 17

The Mumbai Port Trust, in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Indian Ports Association (IPA), will host a conference titled 'Waterways to Wonder: Unlocking Cruise Tourism' on Monday, August 18, in Mumbai.

According to a release by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the objective of the event is to explore the potential of cruise tourism in India and deliberate on policy initiatives, best practices, and strategic growth avenues.

The half-day conference will bring together dignitaries from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, and various stakeholders in the cruise and maritime sectors.

Key focus areas include strategic vision and policy frameworks for cruise tourism, regulatory mechanisms, cultural and coastal cruise itineraries, terminal best practices, smart operations, and environmentally sustainable port strategies.

A keynote address will be delivered by Vijay Kumar, Chairman, IWAI, who also serves as the Nodal Officer of NAVIC Cell 4. The NAVIC Cell, established by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), focuses on promoting tourism across ocean, river, and lighthouse sectors, as well as ferry services.

Its objective is to position India as a global hub for cruise tourism by developing integrated ocean and river cruise circuits, the release further added.

The conference will also feature a dedicated session by the NAVIC Cell 4 showcasing achievements and recent reforms in cruise tourism and ferry services. IWAI, under the Government of India, has been instrumental in developing inland water transport systems, promoting river cruises, and implementing tech-enabled, sustainable infrastructure across waterways.

A panel discussion will include key industry leaders and experts such as Vikas Narwal, IAS, Managing Director, IPA; AK Bansal, Chief Engineer, IWAI; Opesh Sharma, Director (Cruise), MoPSW; Vikas Malviya, Director, Nordic Cruiseline Private Limited; and representatives from Antara Cruises/Heritage River Journeys Private Limited, along with other river cruise operators.

The panel will explore the operational and commercial aspects of cruise tourism in India, with a focus on enhancing passenger experience and streamlining infrastructure development.

The event will conclude with a presentation on India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled for October. IMW 2025 aims to highlight developments, investment opportunities, and international collaborations in the maritime sector to foster both domestic and global growth.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As someone who took a Goa cruise last year, I can say India has amazing potential but needs better facilities. The bathrooms were terrible! Hope this conference addresses basic passenger amenities too.
A
Aditya G
Good initiative but why only Mumbai? Kerala backwaters and Ganga river cruises in Varanasi deserve equal attention. India's cruise tourism should showcase our diverse cultural heritage across states.
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Priya S
They better discuss pollution control measures. Last time I saw the sea near Gateway of India, it was full of plastic. Cruise tourism won't work if we don't clean our waters first! 🌊
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Karthik V
Hope they make cruise packages affordable for middle-class families. Right now it feels like only foreign tourists and rich Indians can enjoy these services. Domestic tourism matters too!
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Michael C
As a frequent traveler to India, I'd love to see more cruise options beyond just Goa. The Andamans would be perfect for luxury cruises with proper infrastructure. This conference is a step in right direction.
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Nisha Z
They should involve local fishing communities in these plans. Many depend on these waters for livelihood. Development shouldn't come at their cost. Inclusive growth is must for sustainable tourism.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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