Mumbai will host a landmark conference titled ‘Waterways to Wonder: Unlocking Cruise Tourism’ on Monday, August 18, organised by Mumbai Port Trust in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Indian Ports Association (IPA). The event aims to highlight India’s growing cruise tourism potential and deliberate on strategies, policies, and best practices to position the country as a global hub for ocean and river cruises. Key dignitaries from the Ministry of Tourism, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, IWAI, MoPSW, and industry stakeholders will address topics such as strategic vision for cruise tourism, policy and regulatory enhancements, cultural and coastal itineraries, smart terminal operations, sustainable cruise terminals, and green port strategies. The conference will feature a keynote address by Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Chairman of IWAI and Nodal Officer of NAVIC Cell 4, a specialised cell of MoPSW focusing on tourism through oceans, rivers, lighthouses, and ferries. Prominent panelists include Shri Vikas Narwal, IAS, MD, IPA; Shri AK Bansal, Chief Engineer, IWAI; Shri Opesh Sharma, Director (Cruise), MoPSW; and leading private cruise operators such as Antara Cruises and Nordic Cruiseline. The half-day event will also showcase NAVIC Cell 4’s achievements in tourism reforms and conclude with insights on India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled in October, which will highlight opportunities and advancements in India’s maritime sector.
