India is actively promoting cruise tourism exploring opportunities along its coastline and also on its navigable rivers targeting 1 million cruise tourists by 2029, an ambitious goal reflects the government's commitment to growing the cruise tourism sector.
Maritime India Vision 2030, aims to increase cruise passengers with an expansion includes both coastal and river cruises, with the goal of making the country a global cruise destination, by 2029 the Indian government aims to bring cruise passengers to 1 million, up from 471.000 in the 2024 fiscal year.
According to the Indian government, the cruise market in the country has the potential to grow 800% over the next decade, driven by rising demand and disposable incomes.
The vision encompasses a broader range of maritime - related initiatives as plans include new cruise terminals and marinas to support the expansion of this tourism segment.
Heading for renewed cruise tourism to India, the destination relaunches a segment that is given progressive growth through Union Ministers of Ports.This plan aims to expanding and modernizing India’s cruise infrastructure across six major ports equipped with cruise terminals in :
• Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
• Mormugao Port, Goa
• New Mangalore Port, Karnataka
• Cochin Port, Kerala
• Mumbai Port, Mahrashtra
• Chennai Port, Tamil Nadu
These facilities are undergoing significant modernization to provide international – standard amenities for cruise passengers.
The Indian Government to attract international cruise operators has implemented favourable tax policies, including a “preseumptive taxation regime” under Section 44BBC of the Income - tax Act 1961.This policy considers 20% of cruise operators aggregate earnings as profits.
The “Finance Act 2024” further supports the industry by offering tax exemptions to foreign companies involved in lease rentals when they share a holding company with cruise operators effective on 1st April 2025.
The Cruise Bharat mission project at the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal located at Ballard Pier was the first stage with its inauguration which took place on 21st April 2025 and the Mict is now the largest cruise terminal in India.
With the capacity to handle over one million passengers per year, up to 10.000 per day the Mict is set to transform Mumbai, densely populated city on India's west coast, a financial centre of relevance and India's largest city into a major international hub for cruise tourism.
The terminal is spread over four floors, two dedicated to passengers, with 72 immigration and check - in counters, and two commercial floors developed according to international standards.
Overall the Cruise Bharat Mission aims to create 10 sea cruise terminals and 100 river cruise terminals across India by 2029, with plans to generate thousands of jobs and bring cruise tourism to the forefront of the country's economic landscape.
Finally, the Cruise Bharat Mission also involves establishing cruise alliances with neighboring countries enhancing furthermore the volume of cruise passengers visiting India.
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