Cruise operator Waterways Leisure Tourism Limited has agreed in principle to explore the feasibility of commencing cruise services in Mangaluru, according to a release from the Karnataka Tourism Department.

Secretary of the Department of Tourism, V. Ram Prasath Manohar, said, “As part of the Karnataka Government’s efforts to promote cruise tourism in the state, the Department of Tourism has initiated consultations with leading cruise operators. During one of the meetings held in Mumbai, Waterways Leisure Tourism Limited, one of India’s leading cruise operators, agreed to explore the feasibility of cruise services in Mangaluru. This in-principle agreement is one of the significant developments.”

He added, “A team of senior officials from the Department of Tourism recently visited the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal to study its passenger facilities, terminal management systems, and operational framework. Soon, the departmental officials will undertake a preliminary feasibility study on the development of an international-standard cruise terminal in Mangaluru.”

According to details shared by the Tourism department officials in its release, Jurgen Bailom, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Bharat Acharya, Associate Director, Port Operations, of Waterways Leisure Tourism Limited, were part of the meeting held in Mumbai.

The release further stated that Waterways Leisure Tourism Limited will conduct a comprehensive study of the tourism market, visitor demand and commercial viability of the Mangalore coastal region. As the next step, the company’s technical team will visit Mangalore next month to undertake a detailed site assessment of the port infrastructure, tourism potential, operational feasibility and other supporting facilities required for cruise operations.

The company representatives have also suggested preparing a dedicated promotional strategy to position Mangalore as a prominent cruise tourism destination at both the national and international levels.

Dr. Manohar noted that the department will take the next course of action based on the findings of the private company in its report.

Earlier, The Hindu had reported that the Tourism department is also in talks with international cruise operators to stop by for 48 hours in the New Mangalore Port instead of only 12 hours.

K.J. George, Minister for Tourism and Energy, said, “Karnataka’s coastline offers immense potential for cruise tourism. The Government is committed to developing this sector by engaging with leading industry players and creating the necessary infrastructure and enabling ecosystem. This initiative will not only strengthen coastal tourism but also generate employment opportunities and attract investments to the region.”

Published - July 31, 2026 05:58 pm IST