The former Portuguese colony of Goa in India is to develop a new cruise terminal at Mormugao.
This initiative is in response to a 40% increase in cruise passengers handled during the 2024 fiscal year and a 15% increase in calls by cruise vessels.
The international and domestic terminal is expected to be completed by next March, according to Skift India newsletter.
It will feature duty free retail shops, while the international terminal will be fitted with 24 immigration counters, 10 check-in counters, and a waiting lounge, plus other amenities. The domestic terminal will have 12 check-in counters and waiting lounges.
“This initiative will place Goa on the global map and enhance its brand image,” said Ryan Prazeres, co-founder of Goa-based sightseeing travel agency, OneBoard App.
“It’s essential to gather insights from cruise passengers as well, especially since there have been reports of harassment from tours and taxi operators. If these issues persist, quality international tourists might be hesitant to visit Goa,” he told Skift.
India recorded its highest cruise passenger footfall in the 2024 financial year of 470,000. In 2019/20, India welcomed about 420,000 tourists. Nearly 80% of the cruise tourists last year were domestic, while pre-pandemic, the split was roughly equal.
India aims to achieve a target of 1.5 mill cruise tourists by 2030.
