Mangaluru, Aug 1: Karnataka has stepped up efforts to develop Mangaluru as a major cruise tourism destination, with state tourism officials holding discussions with a leading cruise operator and initiating a feasibility study for an international-standard cruise terminal.

The initiative follows directions from Tourism Minister K.J. George, who has called for exploring the state’s potential in the rapidly growing cruise tourism sector.

A delegation led by Karnataka Tourism Department Secretary Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar recently met senior executives of Waterways Leisure Tourism Limited in Mumbai, including CEO Jürgen Bailom and Associate Director (Port Operations) Bharat Acharya.

The discussions focused on the feasibility of launching cruise services from Mangaluru, covering port infrastructure, operational requirements and commercial viability. Following the meeting, the company agreed in principle to assess the city’s potential and is expected to send a technical team next month for an on-site inspection.

According to officials, the assessment will include a market study to evaluate regional demand, an inspection of existing port facilities and identification of infrastructure upgrades required to handle cruise operations. Plans to promote Mangaluru as a cruise tourism destination through targeted marketing were also discussed.

As part of the exercise, the Karnataka delegation visited the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal to study passenger facilities, terminal operations and security systems that could serve as a model for future developments in Mangaluru.

Tourism Minister K.J. George said Karnataka’s coastline has significant potential for cruise tourism and that the government is committed to developing the sector in collaboration with industry stakeholders.

“This initiative will provide a fresh boost to coastal tourism while creating employment and investment opportunities,” the minister said.

Dr. Manohar said the government has already initiated a preliminary feasibility study to examine the possibility of establishing an international-standard cruise terminal in Mangaluru.

If the project moves forward, it is expected to strengthen coastal tourism, attract more visitors and generate economic opportunities for the region.