http://in.rediff.com/money/2005/jul/15star.htm
Star 'Cruises' to Goa, Lakshadweep this year Mayuresh Pawar in Panaji | July 15, 2005 14:00 IST <Goa's tourism industry is expected to reach a new milestone with growing inbound international cruise market in India. "There are not many cruise companies that have been using Goa as a port of call. There were only eight cruise vessels that docked at Goa port in 2004. Recently, Star Cruises forged a tie-up with SOTC as a result of which Star Cruises will have its ships dock in Goa," said Elvis Gomes, former director of the Tourism Department. Summing up Goa Tourism's commitment to the industry as well as local economy, he said: "The emphasis is on infrastructure development that benefits tourists and locals alike. From a mere Rs 400,000 budget two years ago, the state government has increased the budget for tourism to Rs 31.46 crore (Rs 314 million). Today, we don't have a season in Goa. It is a perennial destination." The Goa-based Mormugao Port Trust earns about $100 as landing charges for few hours morning to evening from a single cruise. "We have the port dues levied for the vessel, pilotage fees, shifting charges, berth hire charges and charges for supply of water to vessels and anchorage charges," says Venkatachalam, chairman of MPT. On cruise tourism, he said that the tourism in Goa is increasing every year and the common mode of transport used by the tourist is by air. "We also have to ensure that we gear-up to welcome tourists via cruise ships. I anticipate many changes in the years to come," asserts Venkatachalam. "It is estimated that Star Cruises would make 100 trips a year on the Mumbai-Goa-Lakshawadeep-Goa Island and Mumbai-Goa-Mumbai route respectively.">
