The Shipping Ministry Government of India has announced the reduction in port tariff rates ranging from 60% to 70% for cruise ships with effect from 14th August 2020. There will be an immediate reduction in port charges for the Cruise Industry in line with the Indian Government policy to support the economy post the COVID- 19 pandemic.
Reacting to the development, Chairman – India Cruise Lines Association (INCLA) Jurgen Bailom said: “We would like to express our gratitude and thank the Government and the Union Minister of State of Shipping, Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya for introducing this measure and assisting us during these trying times. This is a step in the right direction as it will help boost domestic cruise tourism.”
“We are confident that the travel industry will bounce back, with a few adjustments in the post-COVID-19 world where global travel restrictions and changing consumer preference will provide the impetus to domestic tourism. As we all prepare to start cruising operations in November this year, we will rise to the occasion and create greater value for all our customers.”
The current upheaval caused by the pandemic has resulted in several challenges and has adversely affected tourism and the cruising sector. “While we eagerly wait to begin sailing in November, the Shipping Ministry’s announcement to reduce berthing charges to promote tourism increases our optimism and confidence that our industry will get back on its feet in no time at all,” said, Bailom.
Nalini Gupta, Vice President INCLA said “This is a great initiative to promote tourism which is one of the industries to have been seriously impacted globally due to the recent COVID- 19 pandemic. This will not only help make cruising more affordable for Indians but also make India look a lot more attractive to International cruise companies in terms of home-porting ships in India for itineraries covering Indian ports with neighbouring countries.”
Ratna Chadha, Vice President INCLA said “The Govt has taken an initiative to boost domestic Cruises by lowering the tariffs and thereby sending the right signal to the international cruise lines as well that, India means business. However, the duration of the validity may need to be extended to create a positive impact in the long term, both for the economy and employment”.
The Ministry of Shipping has rationalized tariff rates for cruise ships whereby which the net effect of the rate relaxation would be an immediate reduction in port charges ranging from 60% to 70%. This in turn will give substantial relief to the cruise industry in India, in line with the government policy to support the economy in COVID-19 pandemic situation.
