Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal recently flagged off the maiden voyage of the vessel Costa Serena, the first International Cruise Liner in India.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Sonowal termed the launch of Costa Cruises’ domestic sailings a momentous occasion signifying the dawn of a new era in cruising and tourism.

This initiative has been driven by the “Dekho Apna Desh” initiative of our Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi”, Mr. Sonowal said.

 In a press release the Ministry has said that India has enhanced its focus on the cruise sector with MoPSW actively promoting cruise tourism for its vast economic positive impact, the potential for job creation, for earning Forex amongst many other benefits. 

One of the key thrust areas is to develop cruise destinations at tourism places of coastal state and islands. 

The launch of Costa Cruises’ domestic sailings has been made possible by a series of initiatives taken by the government to promote and revitalize the cruise tourism industry in India, it said.