Known as the cleanest city in India, Mangalore is not only known for its pristine beaches, water sports, diverse culture and hospitality but it is also known for its cruise tourism.
The coastal city finally opened its door to luxury cruises after the pandemic around November 2022. Most cruises arrive in the Mangalorean port at dawn and depart by dusk. However, for the first time, "MS The World"- a private luxury residential cruise ship docked carrying 123 passengers and 280 crew members on board called at New Mangalore Port on January 13 for three nights. In 2019, the ship docked overnight in the coastal town.
"The World" is a private residential cruise ship operated like a condominium complex, with large apartments that can be purchased. Some owners choose to live on board full-time, while others visit periodically throughout the year.
The Union and the State Tourism Department, along with the New Mangalore Port Authority have thought of encouraging luxury cruise tourism by holding cultural programmes for passengers if any ships dock overnight at the port.
The local tour operators generally hold a cultural show on the cruise to entertain passengers if the ships dock overnight. However, for the first time, a huge stage was set up outside "The World" near the port to entertain the guests with cultural activities for three days.
What were the 3 days cultural programs set up for the "MS The World" passengers?
Dollu kunitha and folklore cultural shows were performed on the first day. The next day there was a Bharatanatyam performance by well-known artists. On the third day, Yakshagana and Tiger Dance were arranged for guests from various parts of the Globe to showcase the local culture of Karnataka.
What where the other facilities provided to the passengers of "The World"?
Medical screenings, multiple immigration and customs counters, free wifi, garments and handicraft outlets were arranged for the guests. Buses, Cars and Vans were arranged for passengers to visit the local market in the city centre or tourist destinations including churches and temples.
The Department of AYUSH had also set up a meditation centre inside the cruise lounge for the benefit of cruise passengers.
Souvenirs were given to everyone as memoirs of their visit to the coastal town.
What is the though behind this luxury tourism?
As per the NMPA'S Chairman, Mr Venkata Ramana Akkaraju- offering high-quality hospitality and facilities to the guests arriving from various parts of the world will ensure high chances of the guests revisiting the city and staying for more days.
This, in turn, will boost the local economy and the tourism sector.
What are the additional efforts taken by the Tourism Department?
Efforts are also made to encourage cruise tourism across the country as well by having a discussion with organisers of domestic cruises to organise tours to sail to and through Mangalore port. The organisers will be given stay options at a reasonable cost or free.
As per reports, Cruise tour operators shared that cruise guests were happy to witness the cultural shows that were exclusively curated for them.
So what do you think of this step to show our local culture to the world and encourage tourism by organising these cultural shows? Comment below!
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