Guj Govt working on policy to promote cruise tourism

If all works well, then luxury cruise liners might soon dock at some of the ports in Gujarat. In a major move that will give a boost to the many tourism initiatives taken for Gujarat, the state government is now looking at putting in place a policy for cruise tourism in the state.

"The tourism department has prepared a policy to promote cruise tourism in Gujarat and has got it approved by the state home ministry. Presently, it has been sent to the finance department for approval and should be ready in a month's time," said Vipul Mittra, principal secretary of tourism, civil aviation, pilgrimage devasthan, Government of Gujarat speaking at the three-day travel and tourism fair recently organised in Ahmedabad.

"Considering that the state has a 1,600 kms long coastline, 12 airports and a number of ports, it is an ideal destination for developing cruise tourism. While Gujaratis have always been known for their love for travelling, many also share a love for cruises and that is how we thought of tapping this segment," he added.

According to Mittra, the policy will ensure that the cruise liners will get priority berthing facilities at some of the ports in the state at concessional rates. What's more, the cruise itinerary might even include a bus trip around the port itself.

"We would need to expand the berthing facilities for cruise liners at the ports. We are also planning to facilitate quicker immigration clearances so that cruise tourism can be encouraged. The itinerary will also include a bus ride around the ports for the tourists. We have already got calls from Caribbean cruise companies that are interested in berthing at the ports in Gujarat. We might even consider tagging religious tourism as an option for tourist interested in visiting the four important temples located at Dwarka, Dakor, Ambaji and Somnath," he added.

From getting Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan to become the face of Gujarat tourism through advertising campaigns, to tapping into adventure, religious and beach tourism, the state Government seems to be gung ho in developing its tourism hubs in a phased manner.

With an investment of Rs 60 crores aimed at sprucing up the infrastructure at Saputara, the state government recently hosted a monsoon festival at the only hill station in Gujarat.

In a bid to foray into adventure tourism, the state government is presently developing facilities for parasailing, hot –air ballooning, para-motoring, kayaking and rock climbing at Saputara.

The Gujarat tourism department also has plans to hold a ‘Tandem flying festival’ between December 19 and December 25 this year and National Open Cross Country flying competition in May next year.