Chennai: Heralding a new chapter in the cruise tourism sector in the country. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the maiden International Cruise Vessel from Chennai to Sri Lanka yesterday.
The flagging off of ‘MV Empress’, India’s first international cruise vessel from Chennai to Sri Lanka marked the beginning of international cruise tourism terminal at Chennai, built at a cost of Rs 17.21 crores, heralding a new age of cruise tourism & maritime trade in the country.
Coinciding on the occasion of World Environment Day, Mr Sonowal along with Chennai Port officials planted 2,500 tree saplings at the port, an official release said.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sonowal said “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways have been taking multiple steps to develop the avenues of cruise tourism in the country and bolster opportunities of maritime trade of India.’
“With our rich heritage & culture around our coastal region, the potential of cruise tourism in India is immense. As we launch the maiden cruise service between Chennai and Sri Lanka, it has ushered a new chapter in the cruise tourism sector in the country”, he said.
As the affordability & access to world class cruise services becomes a reality, the people can enjoy and relish luxurious amenities, entertainment and breathtaking views”, he said.
