the goan I network
VASCO
The MPT has built a modern cruise terminal at a cost of about Rs 8.70 crore, to provide facilities like immigration, customs, restaurant, FOREX booth, taxi booth and souvenir shops.
"Since the inauguration of its dedicated cruise berth in October 2012, the MPT has received a lot of cruise vessels. The port handled 29 cruise vessels in 2015-16 season, while the number went up to 36 during 2016-17. The port now expects around 40 cruise vessels during this tourism season," said an MPT official on condition of anonymity.
Incidentally, MPT's anticipation of 40 cruise vessels during this tourism season appears to have been scaled down after it had, earlier this year, expected the arrival of 50-60 cruise ships for 2017-18.
According to the official, the three-storeyed cruise terminal building with ample parking and commercial facilities was inaugurated by Union Minister of Shipping Nitin Gadkari on December 12, 2016.
"Ample space is provided for immigration, CISF and Customs security, along with space for a car/taxi and luxury coach parking lot. Besides, 16 immigration counters have been provided in the cruise terminal building while space has also been allotted for security check and baggage handling operations."
"The Cruise terminal building also has a cafeteria, snack lounge, duty free shop, offices and a dedicated counter for Tourist Information and Travel reservation," the official added.
The MPT also has plans to utilise facilities at the cruise terminal throughout the year.
MPT Chairman I Jayakumar had earlier stated that international tourists would be using the building for about 40 days in a year.
"During the rest of the year, the building will be idle and we are planning to promote domestic tourism. In order to cater to these domestic tourists, MPT plans to lease a part of the building to run a restaurant," Jayakumar had said.
Steps taken for its growth: MoS
PANAJI: The Ministry of Shipping (MoS) on Tuesday informed that various steps have been taken for the growth of cruise tourism in the country.
Besides finalisation of SoPs for handling cruise vessels and passengers, the MoS said foreign flag vessels carrying passengers would be allowed to call at Indian ports without obtaining licence from DG (Shipping).
The MoS would also constitute Port-level committees to address manpower, coordination and logistics issues.
A discount of 40% would be given at Major Ports in Port charges, while an additional rebate of 25% would be given for home port cruise vessels in addition to 40% rebate for coastal cruise transportation.
The MoS also stated that e-Visa facility and e-Landing card have been extended to five major ports, while there would be uniformity in port charges for cruise vessels at all Major Ports, about Rs 1,600 per person as against earlier practice of charging per tonnage of ship.
