Photo Caption : Shri. Jaykumar Rawal, Hon'ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra ,Shri. Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust, Shri. Nitin Gadre, (IAS), Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Government of Maharashtra, Shri. Vijay Waghmare, (IAS), Managing Director, MTDC, Shri. Aashutosh Rathod, Joint Managing Director, MTDC and Smt. Nalini Gupta, Managing Director, Lotus Destinations, representative of Costa Cruises in India.
~The Objective is to create Mumbai as a homeport~
~ Mumbai is becoming a homeport of Cruising in the State of Maharashtra ~
~Costa Cruises – starts sailings from and to Mumbai~
~Gateway to International Cruise tourism in India~
November 24, 2017, Mumbai: Europe’s number 1 cruising company, Costa Cruises has commenced its India season with the arrival of its ship, Costa neoClassica at the Mumbai port today. The Costa neoClassica was inaugurated by Shri. Jaykumar Rawal, Hon'ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra in the presence of Shri. Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust, Shri. Nitin Gadre, (IAS), Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Government of Maharashtra, Shri. Vijay Waghmare, (IAS), Managing Director, MTDC, Shri. Aashutosh Rathod, Joint Managing Director, MTDC and Smt. Nalini Gupta, Managing Director, Lotus Destinations, representative of Costa Cruises in India.
The event kicked off with an announcement of the sailing of Costa neoClassica from Mumbai to Maldives via Cochin. The sailing commences today, 24th November 2017 to March 2018. This initiative will bring in new prospects and help develop the cruise port which will create opportunities for international cruise liners and improve Cruise Tourism in India. A dual task force for cruise tourism has also been designed for having standard working procedures to ensure proper training and generate employment opportunities in the sector. The demand for cruises is set to grow and the domestic cruise passengers are estimated to grow to 1.5 million by 2031-32.
The Italian cruise liner will call the Mumbai port its home for the next 4 months and will perform a series of weekly sailings from November 2017 to March 2018. Costa Cruises has deployed its ship, Costa neoClassica that is part of the neo collection in its India itinerary. This classic cruise ship has a total of 654 cabins, including sea view cabins and suites with private balconies. Fully-equipped with a Casino, Theatre, Disco, Ballroom, Grand Bar, it aims to provide plenty in entertainment. The wellness centre is spread across 1,300 sq. m with a gym, treatment rooms, sauna and steam room. It also has an outdoor jogging track, 4 Jacuzzis and 2 swimming pools. For those who would like to go shopping, the cruise ship has a huge duty free shopping centre, and also offers a wide selection of books in the library for book lovers.
Shri. Madan Yerawar, Hon’ble State Tourism Minister, Government of Maharashtra added, “I believe that Maharashtra has a huge potential in Cruise Tourism with its rich natural resources. Similarly, Maharashtra’s richness will also play a vital role in exhibiting MTDC’s efforts to promote cruise tourism and will cater to the passion of travellers. Cruise Tourism is emerging as traveler’s desire to relish in vacations and the Government aims to attract 40 lakhs tourist in next 5 years which will further enhance cruise tourism prospects in the State.”
Shri. Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust said, “The timing is right for cruise liners to come to India as the Government is taking proactive steps for utilizing our vast coastline. I would like to thank the cruise companies that have taken the initiative to start sailings from Mumbai and have shown their confidence in the Indian Government and India market. We are looking forward to many more ships coming to India and Mumbai port, going forwards. They can count on Mumbai Port's efficient managerial, organizational and planning support and assistance at all times. Our objective is to exceed the expectations of the cruise liners and the cruisers, both domestic and International. Come, cruise from Mumbai and feel India!”
Shri. Nitin Gadre, (IAS) Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Government of Maharashtra stated,” Cruise Tourism is the most exciting and fastest developing elements of the leisure sector across the world. Over the years, Cruise Tourism has observed a growth and has become an active component in the economic growth. Today, the segment offers diverse facilities than earlier, and it has established as advanced and high-class in terms of services. I am certain that this medium will offer a unique way of travel for visitors seeking to discover the state of Maharashtra.”
Shri. Vijay Waghmare, (IAS), Managing Director, MTDC stated “It is significant for Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to cater new offerings in the tourism sector. The combined effeorts of MTDC & Mumbai Port Trust with Italy’s Costa Cruise aims to bring a world-class cruising experience to travel enthusiasts across the globe. Cruise Tourism is becoming an increasingly popular ‘leisure choice’ across the world and I am confident that this association will combines the aspects of brilliance, quality and entertainment to the travellers. This medium of Tourism will certainly entice tourists from across the world and will establish Maharashtra in the global map.”
Smt. Nalini Gupta, Managing Director, Lotus Destinations, representative of Costa Cruises in India said, “Costa Cruises is coming back to India for its second season and expanding its sailing offerings to include shorter sailings of 4 nights from Mumbai specifically for the Indian market confirms its strong interest in India. The
cruising market in India has come a long way from only a select group cruising in far-away locations to today a much wider audience holidaying on ships cruising directly from India”.
About M
TDC:
TDC:
Maharashtra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India offering a diverse range of experiences from pristine beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, natural caves, waterfalls, to imposing forts, colorful festivals, ancient pilgrimage shrines, museums, and historical monuments. For further details, please visit: http://ift.tt/2A7RvdN.gov.in/
About Costa Cruises:
Costa Cruises is the Italian Cruising Company part of the Carnival Corporation & plc, the largest cruise company in the world. For 68 years, the ships of Costa fleet have plied the seas of the world being the ambassador of the pleasant mood of Italian hospitality and the true Italian holiday, with delicious food, selected wines, unique shopping experience, completed by a vast selection of Italian famous brands. Currently the Costa fleet, the largest in Europe, has a total of 15 ships in service, all flying the Italian flag. Moreover, two next-generation cruise ships will be delivered in 2019 and 2021: they will feature a revolutionary “green design” and will be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel, representing a major environmental breakthrough. Other 2 new ships will be delivered in 2019 and 2020 to be deployed in Asia. Costa embodies the Italian excellence surprising its Guests everyday with unique holidays experiences and unforgettable memories thanks to 19,000 Costa's associates worldwide who are passionately working everyday to offer "Italy's finest" cruise vacations through 137 different itineraries, 261 destinations and 60 embarkation ports.
About Mumbai Port Trust:
Mumbai Port is a premium port on West Coast of India since 1873 and ranks third amongst the Major Ports In India handling 63.05 Million Tonnes (MMT) in the year 2016-17. It is the cruise capital of India receiving 53 Cruise vessels. Various initiatives are taken by the Port like expansion projects, ease of doing business and renewed thrust on Cruise & Coastal shipping. Costa Cruises, one of the most leading Cruise line has home ported their vessel Costa neoClassica, since last Cruise season making 7 calls and this year with 9 calls. The port tariff has been substantially reduced by over 42% and the SOP–2 has been implemented for the ease of operations of cruise ships and passengers. Mumbai Port is building a Cruise Terminal with an investment INR 200 crores. The proposed terminal will take two years to complete. The terminal will be operated and maintained on PPP basis. Mumbai Port is the Gateway Port for Cruises in India!
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