Goa is poised to establish itself as a crucial stop for international cruise ships, with the terminal anticipated to be operational by March 2025. (Representative Image; Credit: YouTube)
The new facility will consist of both international and domestic services aiming to meet the increasing regional volume of cruise tourists.
The proposed Mormugao Port cruise terminal in Goa is expected to revolutionise its maritime tourism by March 2025. This strategic plan intends to make Goa a popular global cruise tourism destination. The state-of-art terminal targets to achieve 1.5 million cruise tourists by the year 2030. The project is aligned with the Indian government’s plan to improve coastal tourism in the context of the 2023 National Strategy for Cruise Tourism.
Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal stated in a post that to meet the goal, he checked on the status of construction at the domestic and international cruise ports that were still under development.
To achieve the . , we are building state-of-the-art International & Domestic Cruise Terminals across India. Inspected progress of work at the under construction terminal at Mormugao Port in Goa.… pic.twitter.com/6OrFinDQCC— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) September 12, 2024
Project Overview
The new facility will consist of both international and domestic services aiming to meet the increasing regional volume of cruise tourists.
Key features, as reported by the Times Of India, include:
International Cruise Terminal:
- 24 immigration counters
- 10 check-in counters
- Waiting lounges
- Baggage carousels
- Duty-free retail shops
- Food courts and lounges
Domestic Cruise Terminal:
- 12 check-in counters
- Waiting lounges
- And other similar amenities as the international terminal.
In addition to boosting traveller convenience and cruise experience, the new terminal and several other planned amenities will boost the regional economy and encourage sustainable practices. A top MPA official reportedly told PTI that improvements to the region’s infrastructure will improve its standing on the world map of the cruise sector.
It will cover about 9,960 square meters consisting of well-arranged gardens and other necessary and sufficient utilities for the comfort of the passengers, Hindustan Times reports.
Economic Impact
As per the Skift report, Goa has seen a 40% rise in cruise tourist arrivals in the fiscal 2023-24 and a 15% increase in cruise ships.
The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) expects that these changes will further rocket Goa’s position in the global cruise market with more foreign cruise lines.
Strategic Goals
The construction of the cruise terminal fits India’s strategies to foster a healthy maritime tourism industry. The government’s goal, as per TOI, is to have 1,000 or more world-class vessels as this will have a multiplier effect on revenue to coastal states.
This pertains not only to tourism, but the project even further stresses sustainable development and the subsequent positive impact on environmental advancements.
Future Prospects
Goa is poised to establish itself as a crucial stop for international cruise ships, with the terminal anticipated to be operational by March 2025. According to Booking.com Travel Trends, there is a noticeable trend among Indian tourists, with almost 30% indicating that they would want to go on a cruise this year.
