Cochin Port has set up an exclusive cruise passenger facilitation centre for luxury liners near BTP Jetty.
Consumer affairs minister KV Thomas will inaugurate the centre on Friday (October 12).
Buoyed by the consistent increase in cruise tourist arrivals, the port has created the full-fledged facility built adjacent to the all-weather BTP berth to cater to the cruise ships. The fully air-conditioned centre covers an area of 1500 sqm and is equipped with Customs and immigration counters, X-ray scanning machines for baggage and metal detectors, restrooms, prayer room, feeding room, and provision for setting up duty-free shop, and cafeteria among others.
It also has one acre of parking space for luxury coaches and other vehicles. And during off season, it would be used as an exhibition or convention hall.
Last year, Cochin hosted 44 luxury cruise ships and nearly 58,000 tourists. Prominent among them were Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2, Brilliance of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Aida Aura.
In the current year, about 50 calls had been confirmed. This year, Cochin will also play host to Mariner of the Seas, Celebrity Solistice, Costa Atlantica and Azamara Journey – four large cruise liners on their maiden call to Cochin. Each of these ships will carry onboard 3,000 guests.
The Union government had granted a financial aid of Rs. 4.91 crore for the construction of the centre while the Kerala government contributed Rs.1.32 crore.
