Media Release
Mangaluru, May 19: New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) today welcomed Dr Thrilok Chandra K V, IAS, secretary to the Government of Karnataka, tourism department, along with Darshan H V, deputy commissioner, Dakshina Kannada, during their visit to the port to review cruise tourism initiatives and discuss future development prospects at New Mangalore Port.
The dignitaries were received by S Shanthi, deputy chairperson, NMPA, along with senior officers and employees of the Port.
During the visit, detailed discussions were held on strengthening the cruise tourism potential of New Mangalore Port and enhancing Karnataka’s presence on the national and international cruise tourism map.
The secretary reviewed passenger handling facilities, immigration and customs arrangements, cruise terminal infrastructure, and other operational facilities available for cruise vessel operations at the port.
Officials of NMPA highlighted the strategic advantage of New Mangalore Port as a gateway to major tourist attractions across Coastal Karnataka, including pristine beaches, temples, heritage destinations, eco-tourism locations, cultural circuits, and wellness tourism centres.
Discussions also focused on attracting more domestic and international cruise liners to New Mangalore Port during the upcoming tourism seasons.
Dr Thrilok Chandra K V, IAS, appreciated the initiatives undertaken by NMPA towards enhancing passenger experience, strengthening tourism infrastructure, and promoting cruise tourism in the region. Senior officials from the tourism department and NMPA participated in the review meeting and discussions.
Coinciding with the visit, NMPA also marked the arrival of the cruise vessel M S Seven Seas Navigator, the fifth and final cruise vessel call of the current cruise season at the Port.
The Bahamas-flagged luxury cruise vessel, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, arrived at New Mangalore Port with 427 passengers and 372 crew members on board as part of its international cruise itinerary connecting Malé, Cochin, Mangaluru, Goa, and Mumbai.
A traditional cultural welcome for cruise passengers, tourism facilitation arrangements, sightseeing tours, and guided meditation sessions were organised by NMPA and associated agencies for the guests during their visit to the Port city.
With the arrival of M S Seven Seas Navigator, New Mangalore Port Authority concluded the current cruise tourism season with a total of five cruise vessel calls and 2,079 cruise passengers handled during the season, reaffirming NMPA’s growing role as an emerging cruise tourism gateway on India’s western coast.
NMPA continues to work closely with tourism authorities, cruise operators, and stakeholders to further strengthen cruise tourism infrastructure and position Coastal Karnataka as a preferred cruise destination in the country.