Cruising encompasses more than just maritime journeys; it significantly impacts livelihoods, opportunities, and long-term value on land, as highlighted by Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), during the launch of the Cruising for Impact April 2026 report. This insight is particularly pertinent for a nation like India, which boasts 7,500 kilometers of coastline and over 20,000 kilometers of navigable waterways.
The WTTC report reveals that in 2024, global cruise passenger numbers reached 34.6 million, exceeding pre-pandemic figures and supporting 1.8 million jobs while generating $60.1 billion in wages—around ₹5.6 lakh crore. The industry is expected to grow by 19% in passenger capacity between 2022 and 2028, making it one of the fastest-growing segments in global tourism. Notably, for every 20 cruise passengers, one full-time job is created on land.
India is actively participating in this growth, with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) identifying 38 river cruise circuits, 15 of which are operational. From the Ganga’s sacred routes to Kerala’s picturesque backwaters, Indian rivers are becoming popular travel destinations. In the 2023-24 period, 371 cruise trips were recorded on national waterways, transporting 11,431 passengers—a significant increase from just 1,191 during the pandemic.
Under India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, river cruise tourism is part of a broader initiative for inclusive waterway development, featuring the introduction of hybrid electric and hydrogen-powered vessels for a sustainable experience. The WTTC report also notes that global cruise lines are actively recruiting from maritime academies in India, presenting promising career opportunities for young Indians. With over 60% of cruise travelers returning to destinations they first visited by ship, investing in India’s waterways today could yield long-term benefits and economic growth.
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