New cruise terminal in Goa to boost tourism, local economy: Official

Panaji, Sep 15 (PTI) With a 40 per cent rise in cruise passengers in FY 2023-24, Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) expects to grow it furr with construction of International and Domestic Cruise Terminal in Goa by March 2025, an official said.

development of International and Domestic Cruise Terminal and allied facilities is expected to boost tourism and local ecomy while fostering sustainable practices and infrastructure improvements, reby enhancing region's competitiveness in global cruise market, senior MPA official told PTI.

He was speaking on sidelines of Maritime States Development Council meeting held in Goa on September 12 and 13.

increase in global cruise liner traffic has led to a significant rise in cruise ship arrivals at Mormugao Port, positioning it for a substantial future growth, official said.

In 2023-24 financial year, re was an increase in calls by cruise vessels by 15 per cent and and rise in cruise passengers by 40 per cent compared to FY 2022-23, he said.

On first day of Maritime States Development Council meeting, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sowal visited site of proposed state-of--art building which will house International and Domestic Cruise Terminal.

official said focus would be on passengers in new facility. international cruise terminal will have 24 immigration counters, 10 check-in counters, a waiting lounge and or facilities, he said.

" domestic cruise terminal will have 12 check-in counters, waiting lounges and or facilities. Ancillary commercial building will have an experiential shopping zone aimed at cruise tourists and will also be accessible to general public," he said.

terminal will have duty-free retain shops, lounges, food court and or facilities, official ded. PTI RPS GK