Lighthouse Tourism in India is Boosting Employment and Maritime Heritage

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the positive impact of lighthouse tourism on local communities, stating that it has been creating employment opportunities while also educating future generations about the country’s maritime history. Speaking at the second National Lighthouse Festival in Puri, Odisha, Sonowal emphasized the festival’s goal of harnessing the potential of lighthouse tourism and preserving these historic maritime structures to promote tourism growth with a focus on heritage conservation.

Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shantanu Thakur underscored the importance of developing lighthouse tourism to boost local economies and safeguard India’s rich maritime heritage. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has taken steps to revitalize historic lighthouses, transforming them into centers of tourism, culture, and learning. By developing 75 iconic lighthouses across the country, the ministry aims to preserve history and create vibrant spaces for recreation and community engagement.

A comprehensive presentation by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships outlined the current state and future opportunities of lighthouse tourism in India, highlighting various ongoing initiatives. With an investment of Rs 60 crore, 75 iconic lighthouses across nine coastal states and one union territory have been enhanced with modern amenities like museums, amphitheaters, and children’s parks. In Odisha, five lighthouses have been upgraded to promote lighthouse tourism, including Gopalpur, Puri, Chandrabhaga, Paradip, and False Point.

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