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India plans to promote yacht tourism, personal boating

The Indian government plans to develop yacht tourism and personal boating, highlighting the absence of international-standard marinas along its 7,500-kilometre coastline, with Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal noting the potential for job creation in the sector.

News Arena Network - New Delhi - UPDATED: September 22, 2024, 03:38 PM - 2 min read

Govt to promote yacht tourism, personal boating, says Sonowal

India plans to promote yacht tourism, personal boating

Ports, Shipping and Waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal noted that yacht tourism will create employment opportunities in India as each yacht employs 20 people.

The government is working on a plan to promote the ecosystem of yacht tourism and personal boating in India, Ports, Shipping and Waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal has said. The initiative aims to leverage India’s vast coastline to boost the maritime tourism sector.

Despite having a 7,500-kilometre coastline, India currently lacks a single international-standard marina—docks designed for yachts and sailboats.

"Along with cruise tourism, we are going to add a new dimension by developing the ecosystem for yacht tourism in India," Sonowal said. He emphasised that, while India is a large country, it does not currently have facilities for yachts to dock.

Sonowal highlighted Croatia as an example, pointing out that the small European country provides space for 15,000 yachts. He believes the development of yacht tourism will create significant employment opportunities in India, noting that each yacht typically requires a crew of 20.

Countries like Croatia and Italy have capitalised on their coastlines by building marina infrastructure, Sonowal added, suggesting India could similarly benefit from its vast coastal areas.