Question : Development of Cruise Circuits and Terminals

(a) whether the Government proposes to develop cruise
circuits for international, domestic and inland
waterways to promote cruise tourism in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the
locations/ports/waterways identified for the
purpose;
(c) whether the Government has received any request from
the Government of Andhra Pradesh seeking financial
assistance for starting sea cruise services and
seaplane services at Visakhapatnam, Kakinada,
Krishnapatnam and Vijayawada;
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the reaction
of the Government thereto; and
(e) whether the Government proposes to develop new
cruise terminal at Kochi and if so, the details and
the present status thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING
(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a)&(b):Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products including cruise circuits and implementation of tourism projects is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) under relevant schemes to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and to Central Agencies for various tourism projects including Cruise Terminals and Cruise Vessels, subject to availability of funds.

(c)&(d):Ministry of Shipping has received nine proposals from Government of Andhra Pradesh for sanction of funds under the Sagarmalaprogramme for development of Passenger/Cargo Jetties and allied infrastructure at different locations of Andhra Pradesh. The financial assistance to the above projects will be extended as per the guidelines of the programme subject to availability of funds.

(e) A cruise terminal has already been commissioned at Cochin Port in October, 2012with the financial assistance from Ministry of Tourism.

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