New Mangalore Port: Boosting Cruise Tourism; it reports bustling cruise tourism season

Despite the lingering effects of Covid-19, the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) reports a bustling cruise tourism season, albeit below pre-pandemic levels.

As against the 21 cruise vessels the port handled during 2019-20, it received eight vessels in the just concluded fiscal 2023-24, marginally higher than the six during 2022-23.

NMPA Chairman Mr. AV Ramana says measures undertaken by the port such as personalised services, cultural engagements, increase in the number of immigration counters from 30 to 45, and collaboration with local travel and hospitality companies have helped it attract more vessels.

Whenever cruise vessels dock at the port, NMPA ropes in hospitality students from the local university to ensure that each and every visitor is attended to personally. This excellent most welcome as well as innovative initiative also serves to give the students practical experience in handling international travelers and it helps them immensely in academics

By tapping the region’s existing ecosystem of tour, travel and hospitality industries, NMPA makes it a win-win for all, Mr. Ramana says. Travellers love the hospitality and personal touch of NMPA, he adds. The virtual reality booths and traditional cultural performances organised for the visitors help showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region. To better serve visiting cruise liners, the port plans to augment its infrastructure, including the construction of a dedicated cruise gate, he says.

William D’Souza, owner of Globe Travels in Mangaluru and Vice-President (Finance) of the Monaco-based United Federation of Travel Agents’ Association, says cruise tourism has multiple benefits for the local economy, especially through job creation and revenue generation. He calls for government support and stakeholder collaboration to further develop cruise tourism in the region.