India has been identified as a country with massive potential in the cruise industry, says Union Minister of Tourism G Kishan Reddy. He noted that the country boasts an extended coastline of 7500 km and is home to large rivers, which are excellent avenues for growth in the sector. Speaking at the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Goa, Reddy further stated that the government is devoted to developing the necessary infrastructure for ports, domestic and international cruise terminals.
Moreover, Reddy emphasized the need to harness the power of tourism to promote coastal tourism, beach tourism, light-house tourism, and cruise tourism. He explained that India is tourism’s goldmine, with many of its best tourist destinations yet to be opened to the world. The minister also highlighted plans to establish youth tourism clubs in all educational institutes to promote responsible tourism practices.
Reddy recognized the opportunity of post-Covid pandemic to rebuild and shift focus onto the tourism sector to contribute to green, inclusive, and circular economic growth. The government will also take steps to eradicate plastic and develop sustainable tourism to achieve green growth.
Finally, the minister emphasized the need for collective action, knowledge sharing, and best practices to reduce plastic waste in the sector, committing the government to tackle the significant challenge. The meeting marks the last of the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting.
