Indian Economy News

Cochin Port introduces chopper rides for cruise tourists

  • IBEF
  • November 22, 2019

A helicopter service has been introduced from Willingdon Island by Chipsan Aviation, in association with the District Tourism Promotion Council, Kerala Tourism and Greenix Village, in order to attract and provide interesting experiences for cruise tourists that are arriving there. 

The helicopter service was unveiled by Ms. M. Beena, Chairperson, Cochin Port Trust and about 50 passengers enjoyed the ride on the initial day. The Steamer Agents' Association, the Cochin Customs Brokers' Association, the Indian Chamber of Commerce and the Seafood Exporters' Association sponsored about five rides on the inaugural day.

Cochin Port is among the most well-liked cruise destinations in India. In 2018-19, around 49 international cruise ships visited the port, with 62,753 passengers and 28,828 crew members, which is the highest ever cruise call at the port, thus Cochin Port retains the top spot among cruise handling ports in India.

According to Ms. Beena, the share of repeated visitors is around 25 per cent of the passengers that are arriving by cruise ships, thus, there was a requirement to introduce more tours and interesting experiences in the travel plan. The helicopter service, which will operate trips to Munnar and Jatayu Earth Centre, has received a good response from the cruise passengers as well as tour operators.

Free mehendi design sessions were organised for cruise tourists who arrived at the Samudrika cruise terminal on Wednesday in the vessel Azamara Quest. Many similar initiatives are being planned for the tourists. The port officials added that the new cruise terminal would be completed by February 2020.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.

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