VIKRAM NAYAK
VASCO
Boosted by the success of the first domestic cruise ship ‘Angriya’ plying between Goa and Mumbai, the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) will welcome yet another domestic cruise liner ‘Karnika’ introduced by Jalesh Cruises from Saturday.
MPT Dy Chairman GP Rai told The Goan that the new domestic cruise ship will operate between Goa and Mumbai and may extend its route till Mangalore at a later stage.
“The MPT is looking to attract a lot of domestic cruise liners. We already have a local domestic cruise liner ‘Angriya’ running successfully between Goa and Mumbai. Now, we will have another liner ‘Karnika’ which is most likely to begin operating from April 13.
“This will be the second domestic cruise with Goa as one its main focused destinations. The port is extending huge support by offering concessions on charges to attract domestic cruises and a circular to this effect is already in place.”
Though Rai said he was unaware of exact specifications and facilities regarding the second domestic cruise ship, sources at MPT said the new domestic cruise liner would be bigger in size and would have facilities like food court, swimming pools, multiple restaurants, spa and other amenities like kid zone and a shopping centre.
The MPT deputy chairman said MPT’s efforts to attract cruise tourism was basically to boost Goa’s tourism and strengthen the State’s economy, though MPT would not benefit much financially thorough domestic cruise tourism.
“There have been tremendous efforts by MPT to attract domestic cruise tourism and promote Goa as a destination.”
“Last year, a rationalized formula was derived for cruise tourism, wherein the rates were reduced to one-third and we will give further discounts on these rates only to attract domestic cruises.”
“The MPT is extending huge concessions further to the already reduced charges. If a ship crosses 75 voyages a year, we will offer 40% discount in the reduced rates. If the ship crosses 100 voyages we will offer more than 50% discount.” “Though MPT may not earn much financially, our efforts are to attract cruise locals and domestic to promote Goa as a destination and boost the state’s economy,” said Rai.
