THE GOAN | VASCO
Goa’s coastline is set to add a splash of luxury. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) is preparing to welcome not just cruise liners but also yachts — with a dedicated parking and service facility.
According to sources, the ambitious project will come up within the premises of the upcoming world-class cruise terminal at Mormugao Port.
The plan is simple yet game-changing — while Goa has long attracted global travellers, it has never truly catered to the growing class of private yacht owners and charter operators looking for docking and other facilities. That gap, the MPA seems keen to fill.
“We are already developing a world-class cruise terminal to enhance cruise tourism in the State,” a senior MPA official said.
“This terminal will host both domestic and international cruise ships, boosting business and the local economy. Alongside this, we decided to provide a parking space for yachts — similar to a marina — within the port area. There’s been strong demand, and we saw an opportunity worth seizing.”
The works for the yacht parking area have already begun, with completion expected by 2027. “All arrangements are in place. The space will offer parking and allied facilities for yachts used by high-end domestic and foreign tourists,” the source added.
Importantly, the MPA clarified that this initiative should not be mistaken for the controversial marina project once proposed for Sancoale Bay.
“This project is totally different. We are not building a marina — only a parking facility. The number of yachts that can be accommodated will depend on their size, as the space allotted is fixed,” the official explained.
Once completed, the facility will be operated by a private agency selected through a tendering process. The operator will handle day-to-day management, including docking assistance, refuelling, and other logistical services.
Port with a plan
The move signals a broader shift in MPA’s strategy — from being just a cargo port to becoming a multifaceted gateway blending industry with leisure.
The same terminal that will see massive cruise liners offloading thousands of tourists could soon have sleek, white yachts moored beside them.
According to officials closely associated with the project, this facility could be a game-changer for Goa’s tourism economy.
“Marinas all over the world have shown how such infrastructure benefits the local populace while adding significant value to the economy,” a senior source observed.
“They attract wealthier tourists who spend more on chartering boats, dining at upscale restaurants, shopping in boutiques, and using premium services. This creates a sustainable tourism model that moves beyond just seasonal crowds.”
“At present, if Goa can offer secure and well-managed yacht parking, it changes the map entirely. We could easily become a key refuelling, maintenance, and rest stop for international sailors.”
The ripple effects could extend far beyond the port. The project promises to generate direct and indirect employment — from dock-hands and marine engineers to caterers, chauffeurs, and boutique owners.
“It will open up new opportunities for Goans, not just locally but globally,” the source said. “With the right exposure, our people can work on international yachts or cruise ships, making Goa competitive in the global maritime industry.”
Industry experts believe the initiative could put Goa on the same chart as established yachting destinations such as Phuket or Dubai — smaller in scale, but with the same allure of sun, sea, and seamless service.
Goa’s position on the western coast makes it an ideal pit stop for yachts travelling between the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia — particularly routes connecting the Maldives, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Studies reveal that hundreds of yachts making this journey every year but most bypass India entirely because of lack proper facilities.
Sailing into the future
Local stakeholders and travel industry players are optimistic.
“This is exactly the kind of infrastructure Goa needs,” said a tourism professional in Vasco. “Cruise and yacht tourism bring in high-value visitors who spend more on local services, dining, and shopping. If done right, this could transform Mormugao into the Monaco of the Konkan coast.”
Added a local tourism entrepreneur: “As the world of travel evolves, experiences are replacing itineraries. Yacht owners and charter tourists are not looking for crowded spots — they’re seeking exclusive, well-managed destinations. Goa has the potential to offer exactly that, provided the infrastructure keeps up.”
