August 17, 2025

Mumbai is all set to add some sparkle to India's cruise tourism! The Mumbai Port Trust is teaming up with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Indian Ports Association (IPA) to host a lively conference called 'Waterways to Wonder: Unlocking Cruise Tourism' on Monday, August 18. This half-day event is buzzing with excitement and big plans. According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the conference aims to explore how India can shine brighter in the cruise tourism world by talking about new policies, smart ideas, and growth strategies. Big names will attend! Special guests include dignitaries from the Ministry of Tourism, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, and top players in the cruise and maritime sectors. The main focus areas? Crafting a strategic vision and policy frameworks for cruise tourism, better rules, unique cultural and coastal cruise routes, top-notch terminal practices, smart daily operations, and eco-friendly port strategies. A highlight will be the keynote speech by Vijay Kumar, Chairman of IWAI and Nodal Officer of NAVIC Cell 4. The NAVIC Cell, born from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, is working hard to make India a global cruise tourism hub. It aims to build integrated cruise circuits across oceans and rivers. The conference also hosts a special session for NAVIC Cell 4 to showcase recent wins and reforms in cruise tourism and ferry services. IWAI has been a key player in boosting inland water transport systems, promoting river cruises, and building technology-driven sustainable waterway infrastructure. Get ready for a dynamic panel talk! Industry leaders like Vikas Narwal (Managing Director, IPA), AK Bansal (Chief Engineer, IWAI), Opesh Sharma (Director, Cruise, MoPSW), Vikas Malviya (Director, Nordic Cruiseline Private Limited), along with reps from Antara Cruises and Heritage River Journeys, will dive deep into the business and operational side of cruise tourism. Their goal? To improve passenger experiences and build better infrastructure across India. To wrap it all up, the conference will shine the spotlight on India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, set for October. IMW 2025 promises to showcase the latest developments, investment chances, and global partnerships, aiming to boost India's maritime sector sky-high. So, Mumbai's waters are buzzing with promise, ready to take India's cruise tourism journey to dazzling new heights!

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Tags: Mumbai port trust, Cruise tourism, Inland waterways authority of india, Indian ports association, Navic cell, India maritime week,