(a) whether the trend of journey by big ships (cruis
(e) furnished with five star facilities has increased in the World which has enormous possibilities at Western ghats and Eastern ghats in the country;
(b) if so, whether the Government is considering to formulate a cruise tourism policy in this regard; and
(c) if so, the time by which the policy is framed?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SMT. RENUKA CHOWDHURY)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b) & (c): A High Power Steering Group under the Chairmanship of Minister Shipping with Minister of State for Tourism as Co-Chairperson has been set up to formulate Cruise Shipping Policy for the country. The recommendations of this Steering Group include formation of Working Groups to look into issues like - Immigration, Customs Clearances, Quarantine Restrictions, Identification of Ports, Infrastructural Facilities, Connectivity, Taxation Issues, Tourism Related Issue and Cabotage issue to develop cruise shipping policy for India. The Consultative Committee of Ministry of Shipping has already deliberated the draft policy paper on Cruise Shipping.