Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 16: In an ambitious push to position India as a global cruise tourism hub, the Mumbai Port Trust, in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Indian Ports Association (IPA), will host a high-level conference titled ‘Waterways to Wonder: Unlocking Cruise Tourism’ in Mumbai on Monday.
The event aims to explore the vast untapped potential of India’s cruise tourism sector and will bring together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Tourism, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, and other central and state-level bodies.
According to an official statement, the conference will feature a mix of presentations, panel discussions, and strategic dialogues, covering:
• Cruise tourism policy frameworks and strategic vision
• Regulatory and policy levers to drive growth
• Development of cultural and coastal cruise itineraries
• Best practices in cruise terminal operations
• Integration of smart and green port strategies
A major highlight of the event will be a presentation by NAVIC Cell 4, a dedicated initiative under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), focused on river, ocean, lighthouse tourism, and ferry development. The cell envisions building a sustainable and globally competitive cruise circuit ecosystem in India.
IWAI Chairman Vijay Kumar, who also heads NAVIC Cell 4, will deliver the keynote address. IWAI has been instrumental in advancing inland water transport and cruise connectivity, with an emphasis on eco-friendly infrastructure, technological innovation, and policy reform.
The conference will conclude with an exclusive preview of India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled for October, which will highlight India’s progress in the maritime sector, global partnerships, and investment opportunities.
India’s broader maritime strategy includes modernising ports through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), with plans to expand cargo handling capacity from 2,760 MTPA to 3,500 MTPA by 2030, and a long-term vision of reaching 10,000 MTPA by 2047.
The Monday event is expected to mark a significant step in aligning India’s tourism, transport, and infrastructure goals, turning its waterways into powerful economic and cultural connectors.