New cruise terminal in Goa to boost tourism and local economy: Official
icon of the cruise ship of the sea
With a 40 per cent increase in the number of cruise passengers in FY 2023-24, the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) expects the number of passengers to increase further with the construction of the international and domestic cruise terminal in Goa by March 2025, an official said.
The development of the international and domestic cruise terminal and related facilities is expected to boost tourism and the local economy while encouraging sustainable practices and infrastructure improvements, thereby strengthening the region’s competitive position in the global cruise market, the senior MPA official told PTI.
He was speaking at the Maritime States Development Council meeting in Goa on September 12 and 13.
The increase in global cruise ship traffic has led to a significant increase in the number of cruise ships visiting Mormugao Port, making the port poised for significant growth in the future, the official said.
In fiscal year 2023-2024, there was a 15 percent increase in the number of cruise ships and a 40 percent increase in the number of cruise passengers compared to fiscal year 2022-2023, he said.
On the first day of the Maritime States Development Council meeting, Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, visited the site of the proposed ultra-modern building that will house the international and domestic cruise terminal.
The official said the focus of the new facility would be on passengers. The international cruise terminal will have 24 immigration counters, 10 check-in counters, a waiting area and other facilities, he said.
“The domestic cruise terminal will have 12 check-in counters, waiting areas and other facilities. The accompanying commercial building will have an experiential shopping area aimed at cruise tourists and will also be open to the general public,” he said.
The terminal will have duty-free shops, lounges, a food court and other facilities, the official added.
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First publication: Sep 15, 2024 | 11:29 AM IST