Mumbai, Maharashtra – India is making bold moves to secure its place on the world map of cruise tourism. On August 18, 2025, the country will host the much-anticipated Waterways to Wonder: Unlocking Cruise Tourism conference, organized by the Mumbai Port Authority in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Indian Ports Association (IPA).
The event is expected to serve as a game-changer, bringing together global and domestic stakeholders to shape the future of cruise tourism in India. At the heart of the agenda are strategies to promote sustainability, revamp regulations, and build a comprehensive roadmap that positions India as a leading cruise destination in Asia and beyond.
A Gathering of Key Stakeholders
The conference is designed to be a hub of collaboration, uniting officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), and central and state governments. Alongside them, representatives from shipping, travel, and hospitality industries will discuss the challenges and untapped opportunities in the Indian cruise sector.
Sessions will focus on:
Developing a national cruise tourism policy.
Crafting regulatory frameworks to ease sector growth.
Creating cultural and coastal cruise itineraries tailored to international markets.
Encouraging eco-friendly port operations with advanced digital technologies.
With India’s 7,500 km coastline and 20,000 km of navigable inland waterways, the potential is immense. Experts say the nation can rival Southeast Asia and Europe as a preferred cruise circuit if the right policies and investments are put in place.
IWAI Chairman’s Keynote: Vision for India’s Cruise Future
A highlight of the conference will be the keynote address by the Chairman of IWAI, who also leads NAVIC Cell 4 under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW).
The speech is expected to outline India’s vision to emerge as a global cruise hub, with a strong focus on eco-conscious tourism and regionally anchored cruise loops. The Chairman will emphasize how inland waterways can boost connectivity and open up new tourist routes showcasing India’s rivers, coastal towns, and historic lighthouses.
Focus on Sustainability and Innovation
The conference will also highlight sustainable cruise tourism practices and digital passenger experiences. Topics under discussion include:
Eco-friendly cruise terminals designed to reduce environmental footprints.
Smart technologies to streamline port management and passenger movement.
Adventure and heritage-based cruise circuits, catering to diverse traveler interests.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) bringing together local communities and global cruise operators.
By integrating green technology and smart infrastructure, India aims to balance economic benefits with environmental responsibility—critical for long-term industry success.
India Maritime Week 2025: A Preview
Participants will also get a preview of India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled for October 2025, which will showcase the country’s progress in shipping, cruise tourism, and maritime infrastructure.
The event will spotlight:
New port investments.
International cruise collaborations.
Technological advancements in port modernization.
This aligns with India’s wider maritime vision, which aims to expand cargo handling capacity from 2,760 MTPA to 3,500 MTPA by 2030, and eventually reach 10,000 MTPA by 2047. These upgrades are expected to directly support cruise operations by enabling larger vessels and greater passenger volumes.
Cruise Tourism: A Key Pillar of India’s Tourism Growth
Tourism contributes nearly $200 billion to India’s GDP annually, and cruise tourism is increasingly recognized as a high-value segment. According to the Ministry of Tourism, India could host 4-5 million cruise passengers annually by 2035, provided infrastructure, marketing, and policy align with international standards.
Destinations such as Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Chennai, and the Andaman Islands already attract cruise liners, but the government envisions expanding itineraries to include river cruises on the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and backwaters of Kerala.
Outlook: India’s Cruise Tourism Set to Sail
The Waterways to Wonder conference is more than a dialogue—it is a declaration of India’s intent to step into the global cruise spotlight. By uniting government leaders, industry experts, and international stakeholders, the event promises to lay a sustainable and profitable foundation for cruise tourism.
With its unmatched combination of diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and expanding maritime infrastructure, India is poised to attract millions of international travelers eager for new cruise experiences.
As the conference concludes, one message will resonate: India’s waterways are ready to transform into wonders of global cruise tourism—sustainably, responsibly, and ambitiously.
🌍 Geo-Tagging References:
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India – Host city of the conference.
Goa, Kochi, Chennai, Andaman Islands, Varanasi, Guwahati – Key emerging cruise tourism hubs.
River Ganga, River Brahmaputra, Kerala backwaters – Potential river cruise destinations.
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