In the fiscal year 2022-23, international cruise liners made 60 port calls in Indian cities, followed by an additional 29 calls until October 31, 2023. A comprehensive set of incentives has been put in place to attract and support these visits. These include berthing priority, rationalized cruise tariffs, waiver of ousting charges, extended visa facilities, a unified e-Landing Card for streamlined entry, cabotage relaxation, and conditional Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) exemption.
In addition to these incentives, dedicated sessions at the Global Maritime India Summit and successful terminal upgrades in key locations like New Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Mormugao, and Visakhapatnam further emphasize the commitment to creating a cruise-friendly environment. Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal communicated these endeavors in a Rajya Sabha statement, emphasizing India’s proactive stance in drawing global cruise engagement.
