www.financialexpress.com With up to 95% of India’s trade moving by sea, West Asia is crucial for the country. That’s among the reasons why India featured prominently at Seatrade Middle East Maritime exhibition in Dubai.
Christopher Hayman, managing director, Seatrade Middle East Maritime exhibitions, told FE, “At the event held at Dubai World Trade Centre recently the prospects for the development of cruise tourism in the Gulf and Indian Ocean were under the spotlight.”
Cruise tourism could provide a major boost to India’s marine industry, Mr Hayman said, adding that Indian Ocean cruises could be an effective solution for winter deployment of ships operating in northern Europe.
“With the development of cruise terminals at five ports on the west and east coasts of India, cruise tourism could be a major opportunity for the country,” he added.
“The west coast of India as a new cruise destination.”Seatrade Middle East Maritime, which is being held under the aegis of General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai and UAE defence minister, will have participation from several countries including Iran, Pakistan and Turkey.
The event was sponsored by Dubai Maritime City; Dubai Ports Authority; Government of Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing; Gulf Energy Maritime PJSC (GEM); and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL). According to SS Kulkarni, secretary general of the Indian National Shipowners Association (INSA), “Seatrade 2004 not only offers locational advantage but has also been well timed as the outlook for the shipping industry appears very positive.” |