The Vizhinjam International Port is set to boost local tourism by allowing ship crew members to go ashore and explore nearby attractions. This new ‘shore leave’ policy enables crew from visiting vessels to enjoy sights like Kovalam Beach while their ships handle cargo, fostering increased visitor engagement and tourism opportunities.
The Union government has approved a ₹887 crore marina project in Mumbai Harbour, set to enhance maritime tourism. The Mumbai Port Authority will invest ₹470 crore for infrastructure, while a private operator contributes ₹417 crore. Spanning 12 hectares, the marina will accommodate 424 yachts and create over 2,000 jobs.
The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) hosted the 3rd IALA Council Meeting in Mumbai from December 8–12, 2025, with over 60 delegates from 30 countries. Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the event, highlighting India’s growing role in maritime standards and launching a Digital Ticketing Portal for Lighthouse Tourism.
Travelers to the Bahamas can now explore Grand Bahama’s floating dock, a remarkable maritime attraction blending advanced engineering with natural beauty. This dock enhances the island’s shipyard reputation, allowing visitors to witness large ships being prepared for voyages. With guided tours and viewing platforms, it offers a unique educational experience.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises made waves in European maritime tourism with a rare double call in Lisbon, featuring its luxury vessels, Europa 2 and Europa. This event, celebrated on social media, showcased Portugal’s cultural allure. Both ships embarked on unique itineraries, enhancing the city’s status as a vital cruise destination.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT), enhancing India’s maritime and tourism landscape. Built at ₹556 crore, MICT is India’s largest cruise terminal, accommodating five ships and one million passengers annually. With modern design and cultural displays, it aims to position India as a global cruise hub.
Goa’s tourism sector is poised for growth with the Chapora and Sal rivers selected for the Cruise Bharat Mission, enhancing cruise tourism in India. Minister Sarbananda Sonawal announced new circuits, including routes from Chapora to Alorna Fort and Cavelossim to Betul Fort, showcasing Goa’s rich cultural and maritime heritage.
To enhance Chennai’s transportation and tourism, the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) is exploring a water metro system inspired by Kochi. This initiative includes a 53-kilometre corridor connecting East Coast Road to Napier Bridge, emphasizing sustainable travel through the city’s coastal and inland waterways while promoting low-emission transport options.
The global scuba diving tourism industry generates about $20 billion annually, supporting local economies and marine conservation. A study highlights the economic impact of ecotourism, with around 11,590 operators employing 124,000 locals. Future efforts will focus on standardizing monitoring programs for better tracking of revenue and visitor data.
The Kolkata port authorities are repurposing three historic river ships into floating venues for tourism and culture, inspired by the successful transformation of the vintage paddle steamer PS Bopal. This initiative aims to revitalize the Hooghly River’s banks, merging heritage with modern attractions like cafes and event spaces.
The renovated “Hydraulic Power House” in Chennai’s port area is set to become a museum, highlighting the city’s maritime heritage. Established in 1881 and built in 1920, it is the harbor’s oldest structure. This project aims to enhance tourism and preserve Chennai’s cultural history by connecting it with nearby historical sites.
Maharashtra Ports Minister Nitesh Rane announced that Mumbai will seek a detailed project report (DPR) for a water metro, inspired by Kochi’s successful model. Expected by month’s end, the project aims to relieve road congestion and enhance urban transport with battery-powered ferries, connecting key areas and boosting local tourism.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched cruise operations at the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) on April 21. He inaugurated key projects, including the renovated Fire Memorial and the revamped Sagar Upvan garden. The MICT, designed to accommodate 1 million passengers annually, aims to boost Mumbai’s cruise tourism status significantly.
Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML) is close to completing two new terminals at Kadamakudy and Pizhala. These terminals will improve transportation options for residents by connecting them to major city centers. The development is expected to boost tourism in the area and enhance overall economic growth.
The Panchnad region, where the Yamuna River meets four other rivers, is an ideal location for water transport due to its strong flow. The Uttar Pradesh government plans to launch a 248 km waterway project connecting Kanpur and Prayagraj, aiming to enhance connectivity, reduce road congestion, and boost tourism in the region.
