Cruise industry in India could increase three-fold

A recent report has revealed the Indian tourism industry could welcome an extra 420,000 tourists annually by the year 2010 if the Government improves infrastructure and immigration processes, reports Thaindian.

The report from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and knowledge service provider Evalueserve said that if the Government developed infrastructure at its ports and streamlined the process of international passengers on Indian visas through customs, then they could welcome around 600,000 people by the year 2010.

India has 12 ports, 185 minor ports and a 7,500km-long coastline. According to Thaindia, the cruise tourism industry is increasing by 12 per cent every year, and generates $15 billion worldwide annually. At the moment, India only sees 2 per cent of the 10 million annual cruise passengers, but can use its existing ports and attractive coastline to get a larger piece of the pie.

The Worldwide Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in India visa and immigration services.

Article by Jessica Bird, Worldwide Visa Bureau.