F1 racing, Grand Prix on anvil to develop Mumbai as cruise tourism hub

New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) To develop Mumbai as the hub of cruise tourism, the government on Tuesday said it was planning to develop water sports activities and hold events like Formula 1 and Grand Prix racing around the Marine Drive area.

It is also planning to develop nearby areas like Kanhoji Angre Island, Mandwa, Alibaug and Vijaydurg as attractive tourist destinations and promote Mumbai as an attractive wedding destination among foreigners, a statement said.

The action plan for boosting cruise tourism in the country and develop Mumbai as its hub emerged from an interactive session held last week of various stakeholders of the travel and tourism trade chaired by Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari.

"Mandwa is to be developed as a wellness destination with facilities for activities like yoga and meditation to be developed in land belonging to Mumbai Port. Restaurants and other tourist attractions will be developed in the Mumbai Port area," the statement said. 

"The State Tourism Department will arrange reception activities like cultural shows for cruise arrivals," it added.

Drawing attention to the need for cleanliness and operational efficiency, the action plan says that cleanliness of tourist areas, roadways, sidewalks, venues and beaches has to be ensured.