A study conducted by FICCI and Evaluserve predicts that cruise tourism in India can grow three-fold by 2010 if efforts are taken in right direction. The study shows that the growth of cruise tourism industry depends on many factors, and, if the government focuses more on developing physical infrastructure and streamlines immigration and custom checks process it would be healthy for growth of cruise tourism.

 

The study shows that currently 180,000 cruise passengers travel to India, and India has lots of potential to grow it more. The joint study titled 'Developing Ports as Cruise Tourism Hubs in India' reveals that the country has 12 major ports and 185 minor ports with a 7,500-km-long coastline, but the cruise industry has failed to attract much attention. The reasons behind lackluster performance have been cited lack of necessary infrastructure, government policy and taxation.

 

The comprehensive study shows that with some positive steps, cruise tourism can harvest huge revenue. Currently, cruise tourism amounts to $15 billion business worldwide. It has passenger base of over 10 million. The study shows that India's share is only two percent of this huge market. The study suggests for developing airports, allied infrastructure such as good port connectivity to harvest the potential in cruise tourism.