IWAI rolls out a deal to boost cruise tourism on Brahmaputra

Guwahati: The Inland Waterways Authority of India signed two Memorandums of Understanding with private enterprises, boosting cruise tourism on the Brahmaputra.

The agreements were inked yesterday in Mumbai at the Incredible India International Cruise Conference.

The agreements are between IWAI and Antara Luxury River Cruises for a river cruise between Varanasi (UP) and Bogibeel (Dibrugarh, Assam) via Kolkata via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route, and between IWAI and JM Baxi for a river cruise between Varanasi and Bogibeel via Kolkata via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route.

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy Reddy stated yesterday at the conference that they are working on a "Comprehensive Indian National Tourism Policy." 'Cruise tourism will undoubtedly be a key area since it is one of the most lively and rapidly developing segments of the leisure and travel business,' he stated.

According to Reddy, tourism-related infrastructure is also being created under the ambitious PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, with an emphasis on shipping, river tourism, and forest and animal tourism.

Union Minister Reddy mentioned forthcoming chances, saying that over 150 conferences are planned in various G-20 nations. 'We should make use of these chances; we can build temporary infrastructure if necessary,' he added. 'We may utilise these forums to showcase our country's tourist potential,' he added.

'The promotion of coastal tourism through Beach tourism, Lighthouse tourism, and Cruise tourism would assist communities like fishing villages, discover additional livelihood choices, and augment their present revenue,' said the Minister.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, the Government of India, and FICCI collaborated to hold the first Incredible India International Cruise Conference. Some of the important subjects discussed during the two-day event were strategies for growing India as a cruise centre, governmental efforts and port infrastructure, the potential of river cruise tourism, and the role of technology in the post-pandemic world.