New Delhi, July 23 (IANS): The implementation of a new cruise shipping policy has resulted in growth of the sector in the country, parliament was told on Thursday.

All major ports saw an uptick in terms of number of ships handled. While Cochin saw an increase of six percent, Mormugao port saw an increase of 30.7 percent, Mumbai of 21.2 percent and the Chennai port of 50 percent.

"The government has taken many steps to promote cruise and coastal tourism in the country including financial assistance to ports and lighthouses for development of cruise related tourism infrastructure under a scheme of the tourism ministry," Minister of State for Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan told the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

"Ministry of tourism has identified theme based circuits under recently-launched Swadesh Darshan scheme and has identified some lighthouses for development by shipping ministry to promote them as unique tourism destinations," he added.