Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, marked the arrival of the luxury cruise ship MV Empress in Chennai, recently docked at Visakhapatnam International Cruise Terminal. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his support for enhancing the state’s cruise tourism sector.
Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for MoPSW, reaffirmed the Indian government’s commitment to expanding cruise tourism at all ports. Kandula Durgesh highlighted the state’s proactive strategy to develop cruise hubs and circuits, aiming to attract more cruise ships.
TK Ramacandran, MOPSW Secretary, called the MV Empress’s arrival a historic milestone for Andhra Pradesh, emphasizing its potential to boost the local economy in line with the Maritime India vision. Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary for Tourism and Culture in Andhra Pradesh, pledged the government’s full support for advancing cruise tourism.
M. Angamuthu, Chairperson of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, announced plans to sponsor 5,000 students annually in cruise development programs to foster employment and uplift coastal communities. He also revealed intentions to hold a statewide cruise dialogue to promote cruise tourism, collaborating with various stakeholders including MOPSW and the Ministry of Tourism. Cordelia Cruises’ arrival marks a significant step in the region’s maritime development.
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