Mangaluru: With a cruise vessel “AIDA VITA” arriving at the New Mangaluru Port Trust (NMPT), the cruise season has officially begun on Monday, November 4.
When cruise vessel with 1154 passengers and 407 crew members on board arrived at the NMPT, the Port authorities, with the help of Kannada and Culture Department welcomed the passengers to the city in a traditional way. The local artists performed Yakshagana, tiger dance and other local artforms of coastal city when the passengers arrived at the port. Some mesmerised passengers were seen dancing with the performers. The vessel came from Goa and will be leaving for Kochi after the passengers complete sightseeing in and around Mangaluru. Around 400 to 500 passengers on-board have opted to visit various local destinations like Central Market, fish market and shopping complexes in the city.
A passenger named Serah from Germany told the mediapersons that she was overwhelmed to get such a grand welcome.
Heli tourism
It is first time that NMPT has facilitated heli-tourism for the passengers opting to visit various tourist destinations. As per this plan, a total of 16 passengers, who will arrive in another cruise vessel on November 12, have booked a visit to the Bekal Fort and 1000 pillar Basadi in Moodbidri.
NMPT Chairman A V Ramana told mediapersons that NMPT has improved the existing facilities and augmented services ” The main attraction is the introduction of Helicopter services from the Port to nearby tourist destinations in Tulunadu and the neighbouring state of Kerala.This will include Dharmastala, Kukke, Belur and Halebeedu. This service is bound to find favour with the foreign tourists, who can pack a larger itinerary into their stay at Mangaluru by availing the helicopter services. The improved services include the re-furbished cruise terminal with additional facilities such as free Wifi, improved shopping arcade and information kiosk,” he said.
NMPT Chairman also informed that 24 cruise vessels have already confirmed their visit to the NMPT this season. ” Usually NMPT receives Rs 20 to 25 lakh turnover when a cruise vessel arrives here. As around 25 cruise vessels pay visit to NMPT every year, we make a turnover of Rs 5 crore. Besides that, it improves the economy of the district as artisans, vendors and other business outlets get business when the foreign passengers visit,” he said.
