Unparalleled experience

Realising the potential of Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a preferred destination, Mohamed H Jadwet, Director, Makruzz, helps understand the way forward to promote cruise tourism.

TT Bureau

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Makruzz has elaborate plans and a multi-fold strategy for the years to come, to bring the islands of Andaman into limelight and develop them as the next hotspot for cruise tourism in India. Helping understand the potential of tourism in the Indian archipelago, Mohamed Jadwet says there is a good potential to start a cruise ship or a coastal cruise which can connect the destination internationally. “As far as sea tourism is concerned, it’s a beautiful place located very close to international tourist hotspots like Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. I strongly believe that if we can make Port Blair a hub or a base port for cruise ships, this could do wonders for the country,” he says.

The vision is to bring in mini cruise vessels with a base at Port Blair, connecting Andamans’ exotic islands

“The other prospect is to capitalise on the benefits of large number of islands in its vicinity. There are almost 20-25 islands, which are open to visitors. We have an active volcano as well. These are places, I am sure, inbound tourists as well as domestic tourists would love to see. For that, we need small cruise ships which are called ‘liveaboard’, which can take people all around the island to uninhabited places, and give an experience to travellers, which is unparalleled,” Jadwet adds.

Makruzz is the leading cruise ferry company connecting Port Blair to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and Neill Island (Shaheed Island). The company has three vessels with a capacity to move 800-900 people in each ride.

Jadwet feels that there is a need to create an enabling atmosphere. “Connectivity is a challenge; it has improved, but there is scope to improve further. Upgrade of infrastructure at ferry and cruise terminals is another need,” he explains.