Kerala plans cruise tourism push, preparing eight ports to welcome luxury ships under new policy.
Thiruvananthapuram: Eight ports in Kerala – Vizhinjam, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kochi, Ponnani, Beypore, Azheekal and Bekal – will be prepared to welcome luxury cruise ships. The government-approved cruise tourism policy allows for public-private partnership models for port development. It also recommends exploring private partnerships to develop docking centres for leisure boats and yachts.
In the first phase, connections between Kollam, Vizhinjam, Azheekal and Beypore ports will be considered, as per reports. The policy notes that the depth of the ports should be at least 10 metres to accommodate internationally renowned luxury ships. Some ports, such as Kollam, will initially require dredging to reach the required depth.
The policy also suggests preparing small boats (tender boats) and boat jetties to transport tourists to shore from ships unable to dock due to shallow waters. Ports should be equipped with facilities such as immigration counters and check-in desks.
Precautions should be taken to ensure tourists have a smooth experience during domestic trips and are without any kind of issues. Taxi and auto drivers should be trained and sensitised so they do not raise objections to package tourism conducted with luxury coaches.
To welcome visitors arriving by ship, traditional art forms such as Kalaripayattu and Theyyam can be performed. Unique cultural displays like Kathakali, Theyyam and Kalaripayattu can also be showcased at the terminals. Parks, restaurants, bars, gymnasiums, shopping arcades and other facilities can be developed at these centres, with private participation encouraged.
The policy further highlights that wellness tourism, with special emphasis on Ayurveda, can be incorporated into the cruise tourism model.
Published: 06 Feb 2026, 11:34 am IST
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