VASCO
Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust and the Indian Ports Association, has said domestic cruise ships along the Mumbai-Goa sector would immensely benefit Goa’s tourism while also providing business opportunities to tourism trade stakeholders.
Bhatia was interacting with MPT Chairman (in-charge) G P Rai and heads of departments during his visit to MPT on Friday, stated an MPT press note.
During his brief visit, Bhatia held wide ranging discussions with Bhatia and the officials and focused his attention on the preparedness of the Mormugao Port Trust in handling foreign cruise liners expected during the current cruise tourism season.
He exhorted the MPT Management to extend all logistical support and infra facilities to visiting cruise liners and visiting guests, so as to give a big boost to cruise tourism in Goa.
He briefed the Chairman and the HoDs about the growth potential of the domestic cruise tourism from Mumbai Port to Goa port commencing from Saturday, which will immensely benefit
Goa tourism.
He informed that the growth potential in the cruise tourism sector has been noticed by the stakeholders, which will translate into huge returns to the State.
He also informed that one more luxury domestic cruise ship is likely to commence regular operations on the Mumbai-Goa sector very soon to boost domestic cruise sector. M/s Essels has shown its desire to commence domestic cruise travels between Mumbai and Goa.
It is expected that in the near future, around 300 calls will be made by the domestic cruise ships on this sector thereby giving business opportunities to the tourism trade stakeholders in Goa.
Bhatia earlier visited the port operational areas and acquainted himself with the operations of the SILOS at the coal berths. He also visited the cruise terminal berth and expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by the MPT management to enhance the business potential by setting up the necessary infrastructure, the press note added.
