Mumbai is set to take center stage in the global cruise tourism landscape as the city prepares to host the prestigious “Waterways to Wonder: Unlocking Cruise Tourism” conference on Monday, August 18, 2025. Organized by the Mumbai Port Authority in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Indian Ports Association (IPA), this landmark event underscores India’s ambition to position itself as a world leader in sustainable and eco-friendly cruise tourism.

The conference will not only explore the immense untapped potential of cruise tourism in India but also serve as a platform to deliberate on policy reforms, international best practices, sustainable strategies, and the integration of advanced technologies to strengthen India’s maritime tourism ecosystem.

The Aim: Unlocking India’s Cruise Tourism Potential

The one-day event in Mumbai will feature a comprehensive agenda that brings together government officials, policymakers, tourism experts, port authorities, cruise operators, and international stakeholders. Discussions will revolve around:

• Strategic vision and policy perspective for cruise tourism development in India.

• Policy and regulatory frameworks to boost growth.

• Development of cultural and coastal cruise itineraries.

• Global best practices for cruise terminals and port operations.

• Smart terminal technologies for improved passenger experiences.

• Green port strategies and eco-friendly maritime solutions.

By focusing on these areas, the conference aims to create a roadmap for making India a global hub for ocean and river cruises—leveraging its extensive coastline, rich cultural heritage, and diverse tourism offerings.

Spotlight on NAVIC Cell 4: Pioneering Cruise Tourism

One of the highlights of the event will be a presentation by NAVIC Cell 4, a specialized division established by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW). NAVIC Cell 4 is tasked with accelerating tourism across oceans, rivers, and lighthouses, while also strengthening ferry services.

The cell’s vision is to establish functional and sustainable cruise circuits, thereby transforming India’s coastal and riverine landscapes into globally competitive tourism hubs.

The keynote address will be delivered by Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Chairman of IWAI, who also serves as the nodal officer of NAVIC Cell 4. His insights are expected to set the tone for discussions on sustainable infrastructure, tech-enabled cruise operations, and regulatory reforms.

Cruise Tourism and India’s Economic Vision

Cruise tourism is fast emerging as a key driver of sustainable economic growth. India’s vast coastline, combined with its diverse cultural heritage, makes it an ideal destination for eco-responsible and culturally integrated cruise experiences.

Tourism Minister Shravan Subramaniam highlighted how cruise tourism aligns with India’s sustainable development goals, focusing on:

• Eco-conscious travel experiences that promote conservation.

• Cultural tourism circuits connecting heritage sites.

• Marine and coastal conservation activities.

With the growing global demand for cruise holidays—especially in the Asia-Pacific region—India is uniquely positioned to offer exclusive experiences that blend coastal exploration, heritage immersion, and eco-tourism.

Global Best Practices and Green Port Development

A core agenda of the Mumbai conference is to learn from global best practices while adapting them to India’s unique context. Key focus areas include:

• Cruise terminal management and passenger-centric services.

• Themed and cultural cruise circuits to attract international travelers.

• Integration of smart technologies for efficient port operations.

• Adoption of clean energy systems to power cruise terminals.

• Waste management and low-emission shipping models to protect fragile coastal ecosystems.

Industry experts believe that coastal cruise circuits and inland waterways can act as powerful economic multipliers by connecting smaller towns and cities (Tier II and Tier III), thereby generating new opportunities in hospitality, local crafts, and tourism-linked services.

Key Stakeholders and Panel Discussions

The event will host an engaging panel discussion featuring some of the most influential voices in India’s maritime and tourism sector, including:

• Shri Vikas Narwal, IAS, Managing Director, IPA

• Shri A.K. Bansal, Chief Engineer, IWAI

• Shri Opesh Sharma, Director (Cruise), MoPSW

• Representatives from Antara Cruises/Heritage River Journeys Pvt. Ltd.

• Shri Vikas Malviya, Director, Nordic Cruiseline Pvt. Ltd.

• Other leading river cruise operators

These discussions are expected to bring fresh perspectives on innovation, infrastructure, and collaboration in cruise tourism.

India Maritime Week 2025: A Global Showcase

The conference will conclude with a special presentation on India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, scheduled for October 2025. IMW will serve as a global showcase of India’s maritime advancements, focusing on opportunities in international collaborations, infrastructure investments, and policy innovations.

The Government of India has already set ambitious targets to boost cargo-handling capacity from 2,760 million tonnes per annum to 3,500 million tonnes per annum by 2030, underscoring the importance of enhanced port connectivity for both trade and tourism.

Looking Ahead: Cruise Tourism as a Cornerstone of India’s Tourism Future

India’s tourism sector has been experiencing robust growth, with cruise tourism emerging as a promising frontier. By prioritizing eco-friendly practices, smart technologies, and inclusive development, the country is laying the foundation for a resilient and future-proof tourism economy.

The 2025 conference in Mumbai is expected to act as a catalyst for long-term collaborations between government bodies, private players, and local communities. With initiatives such as green ports, heritage tourism circuits, and smart cruise terminals, India is charting a path to become a global leader in cruise and marine tourism.

A Sustainable Future for India’s Cruise Tourism

The “Waterways to Wonder: Unlocking Cruise Tourism” conference is not just an industry event—it is a declaration of India’s intent to emerge as a world-class cruise tourism destination. By combining cultural richness with sustainability, technological innovation with eco-conscious strategies, India is poised to transform its vast maritime potential into a thriving, globally recognized tourism sector.

As India prepares for the twin milestones of the 2025 Cruise Tourism Conference and India Maritime Week 2025, it is clear that the country’s blue economy and cruise tourism industry will play a pivotal role in driving both economic growth and sustainable development in the years ahead.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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