Developing Indian economy, vast and beautiful coastline, virgin forests, undisturbed idyllic islands and rich historical and cultural heritage make India a fabulous destination for cruise tourists: Kumari Selja
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13:40 IST
The Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja has said that with the Indian Economy developing at a steady pace, middle class growing in number and increasingly possessing disposable incomes which could be spent on leisure activities, India could also take on cruise shipping in a big way. She was speaking here today on the occasion of announcement of arrival of International Cruising ship Aquamarine in India. The Minister said that India with its vast and beautiful coastline, virgin forests and undisturbed idyllic islands, rich historical and cultural heritage, can be a fabulous tourist destination for cruise tourists

The Minister said, while Cruise Shipping is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing components of the leisure industry worldwide and emerging as a new marketable commodity/product with growing rate of 12% per annum globally, it is still in its infancy in India and only recently has witnessed some activity in the country.

Kumari Selja said, Cruise Shipping world over is seen as employment generating leisure activities. On an average, about 1000 passengers travel on a cruise vessel (medium size). When such vessels arrive at a Port, automatically there is demand for a whole lot of services. Thus a cruise call results in gainful employment to a lot of people. Cruise ships also require bunkers, provisions, bonds stores in large quantities, agency service and crew etc. All these demands can be met locally. To that extent, the Minister said, there will be contribution to the Indian economy from this sector.

She said, Cruising is a ‘supply driven’ market because cruise liners are ever in search of new markets, new itineraries and new destinations. If adequate facilities, services and infrastructure are provided, they will in turn attract more and more cruise operators. The Minister said, India’s 7,517 Kms long coastline and strong port positioning imparts a natural advantage to the country to attract international cruise lines. India’s positioning in South East Asia and its proximity to already popular cruise destinations would enable strong cruise circuits to be created over a period of time. India’s strong domestic tourism sector would enable the country to achieve a strong domestic cruise sector that could complement the growth and support viability.

Referring to the Government’s efforts to promote the sector, Kumari Selja said, the Cruise Shipping Policy was approved on June 26, 2008 with the aim to develop India both as Source and Destination Market, to increase the number of cruise ship calls and passenger arrivals in a sustainable manner. She said, her Ministry extends financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations for development of tourism infrastructure including cruise tourism under Product/Infrastructure Development for Destinations & Circuits scheme and to Port Trust Authorities under the scheme of Assistance to Central Agencies for Infrastructure Development. The Centre has already sanctioned Rs.1450.00 lakh to Cochin Port Trust, Kochi in the year 2008-09 and Rs.52.70 lakh to Poompuhar Shipping Corporation Ltd. Chennai for purchase of ferries in Tamil Nadu in the year 2008-09.

She said, the Ministry of Tourism has been promoting Cruise Tourism at various international platforms as such World Travel Mart, London, ITB-Berlin, and Arabian Travel Marts etc.

Kumari Selja said, the Commonwealth Games 2010 in New Delhi will provide us an opportunity to receive a large number of visitors from the Commonwealth Nations. And new facilities such as Cruise Tourism will no doubt help us in sustainable development of the Tourism sector.

In the function ,Kerala government was represented by Shri Anand Kumar , Resident Commissioner in DELHI.


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Sikkim CM to lay foundation stone of Chenrezig statue on Nov 25






GYALSHING, November 23: MLA Yangthang PL Subba yesterday said that the foundation stone of a statue of Lord Chenrezig would be laid by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on November 25.
He informed this during a meeting of SDF Yuksom Constituency level held at Chongrang, Tashiding in West Sikkim, where all senior party leaders of the District were present.
In his address, Mr. Subba stressed on making his constituency best in every field and also to work hard at it for the success.
Former minster SB Subedi, who graced the meeting as the chief guest thanked the people of Chongrang for bringing the party in front once again and promised that the party will carry on with the welfare and developmental works for the people of the State.
MLA Gyalshing-Bernyak and deputy speaker MB Dahal on his part briefed the schemes introduced by the government. While talking about women empowerment in Sikkim, the deputy speaker said that the SDF party was doing a lot in giving maximum facility to the women of Sikkim. Mr. Dahal also mentioned about the exemption of IT.
Chairman, STDC NK Subba informed that such meetings will be convened in all parts of District and at the same time stressed on taking the responsibility of the party by every individual in making Sikkim a dream state.
Others present in the meeting were Ministers RB Subba and Dawcho Lepcha, Chairperson Chandra Maya Subba and other party office holders.