The city has the potential to become a hot destination for cruise tourism, Union Shipping Secretary Gopal Krishna has said, adding that Visakhaptnam Port Trust (VPT) will have a world class cruise terminal at a cost of ₹80 crore.

He was in the city to welcome Silver Discoverer, the 1989 Russia-built cruise liner that arrived from Trincomalee in Sri Lanka via Chennai on Thursday morning for a dawn-to-dusk halt. It was the first time, an international cruise liner docked at Vizag port.

After visiting the cruise vessel, along with VPT Chairman M.T. Krishna Babu, Mr. Gopal Krishna said a proper regulatory mechanism should be in place, along with the port infrastructure, for a city to be a cruise tourism destination.

Vizag has all advantages to become a major destination for cruise tourists. Good support from the locals, friendly ambience for tourists, cleanliness and picturesque spots can boost its prospects,he pointed out.

The cost of cruise tourism used to be high in the past owing to multiple taxes and others issues. Now, the Centre has taken several steps such as reducing port charges, which have given cruise tourism in major ports in India a boost, he said.

Cruise tourism will help generate more jobs and develop the city and its the surrounding region as a destination of high-end tourists, he said.

Designs finalised

Mr. Krishna Babu said two more international cruise liners were likely to visit Vizag this year.

The State government is keen on promoting tourism and improving infrastructure . A modern, AC cruise terminal would be built in the city, for which the designs have been finalised. Once the construction begins, it will take 18 months to complete the project. The Union Shipping Ministry has cleared the proposal and the Union Tourism Ministry is financing the project, he said.

Tourists floored

Buddhist heritage sites, beaches and local cuisines floored the tourists from the U.S.A., Europe, South East Asian countries and a few others. Around 100 visitors embarked on Silver Discoverer were taken on a sight-seeing tour by VPT.

Bavinkonda, Thotlakonda, Bheemili beach, heritage sites in I-Town and several scenic places were covered in the tour. A few tourists from Philippines who wished to visit shopping malls were taken by the officials in their cars as a goodwill gesture.

Executive Chef of Silver Discoverer and a native of Costa Rica , Jean Keane said that he was keen on observing the culture of this region and he had a special interest in the local delicacies. I tasted Araku Coffee and learnt that it was being grown in a valley nearby. I have interest in learning more about it, he said. Another tourist from the U.S., Lauren Blair who was on her maiden visit to this side of the globe, said that she liked the Buddhist heritage sites and local cuisines.

Silver Discoverer operated by Silversea Crusises, a Monaco-based operator has a fleet of eight boutique cruise vessels, with a carrying capacity of 100 to 540 guests each.

The Silver Discoverer carries around 150 to 170 tourists in small, ultra-luxury and all-suite room categories, said Nevil Malao, Assistant Vice-President of J.M. Baxi & Co, the handling agent for the ship.

Every year, about 90 cruise liners reach various ports in India. Foreign tourists want to know about the culture, taste delicaices, explore heritage sites in Vizag. More such campaigns should be organised , Mr. Nevil said.