Vizhinjam to be International Cruise Tourism Hub

Kerala is planning a dedicated cruise terminal and passenger facilities at Vizhinjam to attract international cruise liners, improve port tourism infrastructure and strengthen Thiruvananthapuram’s position on global cruise circuits.

The Kerala government plans to develop Vizhinjam as an international cruise tourism destination, with a proposed cruise terminal, immigration and customs facilities, tourist information centre and visitor services. The initiative aims to attract foreign tourists and expand tourism-linked economic activity in southern Kerala.

Tourism and Culture Minister P C Vishnunadh outlined the proposal in the state assembly. The plan also includes day trips and heritage tours for international passengers arriving at the port.

Strategic Maritime Location

Vizhinjam’s deep-water port is located close to the international east-west shipping route, making it well positioned for cruise operations. According to the Kerala Maritime Board, the port is about 10 nautical miles from the international shipping route and has access to major road and rail networks.

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is around 12 km from the port, offering strong air-sea connectivity for cruise passengers. The state government said these advantages make Vizhinjam attractive for maritime tourism and international passenger movement.

Excursions to Kovalam, Varkala and Heritage Sites

Cruise passengers are expected to be offered excursions to Kovalam, Varkala and the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The proposed tours will combine beaches, cultural heritage and religious attractions, allowing visitors to explore the capital district during port calls.

Dedicated immigration and customs facilities will be essential for handling international passengers. Visitor services and tourist information centres are expected to coordinate shore excursions and travel requirements.

Cruise Infrastructure and Coastal Tourism

Vizhinjam has already featured in Kerala’s broader maritime tourism plans. The Kerala Maritime Board’s 2024 expression of interest document noted that the port had hosted more than 20 foreign cruise vessels since 2009, bringing over 3,350 foreign passengers.

A dedicated cruise berth is planned in a future phase of port development. The state has also explored coastal cruise services connecting Vizhinjam, Kollam, Kochi and Beypore, creating opportunities for coastal tourism and passenger travel across Kerala’s ports.

Economic Opportunities

The proposed cruise hub could generate employment and business opportunities in hospitality, transport, tour operations, local commerce and allied sectors. It may also strengthen Vizhinjam’s role as a multimodal maritime gateway, complementing its container port operations.

However, the government has not yet specified the project timeline, investment requirement or development schedule for the proposed cruise terminal.

FAQs

1. What does Kerala plan to develop at Vizhinjam?
Kerala plans to develop Vizhinjam as an international cruise tourism hub, with a cruise terminal, immigration and customs facilities, tourist information centre and visitor services.

2. Why is Vizhinjam suitable for cruise tourism?
Vizhinjam has natural deep-water characteristics, is about 10 nautical miles from the international east-west shipping route, and is connected to major road, rail and air networks.

3. Which destinations will cruise passengers be able to visit?
Proposed excursions include Kovalam, Varkala and the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.

4. Has Vizhinjam hosted cruise vessels earlier?
Yes. According to the Kerala Maritime Board, Vizhinjam has hosted more than 20 foreign cruise vessels since 2009, bringing over 3,350 foreign passengers.

5. Is a cruise berth planned at Vizhinjam?
Yes. A dedicated cruise berth is proposed in a future phase of Vizhinjam port development, although the project timeline and investment details have not been announced.