VOLVO OCEAN RACE AT KOCHI

A real catalist to zoom Kochi (Cochi) as cruise tourism destination and kerala as a hot spot for both domestic and international tourists.

Volvo ocean race (2008-2009) started from [Alicante, Spain] to [Saint Petersburg, Russia]

Source: volvooceanrace.org

‘Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race’ which was taken over by Volvo from 2001 and renamed to ‘VOLVO OCEAN RACE’ (worlds number one yachting race) made a stopover here at Kochi (Cochi)….

Glenn Bourke, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race commented: “It has always been part of our vision to take the race to different and wider audiences and we are delighted that Kochi has become part of that vision. India not only presents huge opportunities for the development of the event, but this coupled with the daunting challenges the competitors will face when racing their grand prix yachts in unfamiliar waters, will make the visit to India even more exciting for everyone involved. India has hundreds of millions of enthusiastic sports fans and we know they will enjoy this challenging race, with its passion, teamwork, adventure and excitement.”

We (Indians/Keralites) are all proud to hear that, Volvo ocean race has selected Kochi (Cochi) as one of their stopover city.

Volvo ocean race arrived at Kochi (Cochi) from Cape Town on December 03/08

Crew members of Volvo ocean race in a speed boat, when they reached Kochi (cochi)
Photo taken by my friend Bhaskar Krishnan

Cochin port trust in association with Kerala tourism has played an amazing role to host the Volvo ocean race stopover.

In around 2.5 acres of land, a race village was set up near the BTP berth at Willingdon Island (Kochi) and various events were organized like ‘Navy Cup Regatta’, ‘Sail Boat Race’ ‘Snake Boat Race’ ‘Mini Pooram’ ‘Kathakali’ ‘Kolkali’, ‘Mohiniyattom’, ‘Kalaripayattu’ ect. to entertain the crew members of Volvo ocean race.

Major luxury cruise vessels with international cruise tourists arrived at Kochi during Volvo ocean race includes ‘Celebrity Quest’, ‘nautical’ ‘legend of the seas’ and ‘Seabourne Spirit’.

Since Kochi is growing as a major cruise tourism destination, Volvo ocean race will definitely help Kochi to uplift its current position in cruise tourism industry.

Kochi port trust and kerala tourism industry has taken this as a golden opportunity to showcase their facilities and management capabilities in tourism industry and thus to explore their real potential.


The official website of Volvo ocean race cochi : http://volvoracecochin.com

Volvo ocean race official press information about “Kochi in India to host Volvo Ocean Race for first time” : http://press.volvooceanrace.org/?p=86

India as cruise tourism destination

India, because of its historic and beautiful destinations, can contribute much to travel and tourism industry. In these days, more foreign tourists are showing their interest to visit India.

Indian government has taken initiative to promote cruise tourism, which mutually help other sectors and the whole tourism industry. India’s long costal lines and cultural diversity can attract international cruise lines.

Cruise tourism, one of the fastest growing sectors in leisure market, once completely in the hands of rich, nowadays is reaching to common people. Both foreign and domestic tourists are showing their interest in cruise tourism.

Cruise tourism not only benefits that sector alone, but the entire tourism market.

Luxury cruise liners need better cruise terminals to call. Major ports selected for luxury cruise liners are Chennai Kerala and Goa. These states have already proved their part in tourism market. Kerala with its own unique backwaters have already proved their part in backwater tourism. Houseboat tourism is a real hit in Kerala.

According to CRUISE TOURISM - POTENTIAL & STRATEGY STUDY
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

For foreign tourists the most preferred cruise circuit is: Mumbai- Cochin - Kerala Backwaters and for domestic tourists: Cochin - Goa - Lakshadweep - Male

Proposed Cruise Circuits

Rejuvenation Cruise
Goa- Mangalore-Cochin (Kerala Backwaters)-Male
Goa -Magalore-9hrs
Mangalore-Cochin- 10 hrs -Kerala (Backwaters)
Cochin - Male- 10.5 hrs (approx)

Discover India’ Cruise
Mumbai-Goa-Cochin-Tuticorin
Cochin -Goa-Mumbai-Porbander

‘Shopper’s Bonanza’ Cruise
Mumbai-Porbander-Dubai
Cochin-Mumbai-Dubai

Heritage Cruise
Mumbai-Goa-Cochin-Colombo
Mumbai-Mangalore-Cochin-Columbo

Sunshine Cruise to Beaches
Cochin-Goa-Lakshadweep-Male
Chennai-Colombo-Andaman-Chennai
Chennai-Colombo -Male -Cochin-Dubai
Cochin-Lakshadweep-Mangalore-Dubai
Chennai-Andamans-Vishakapatnam-Paradip
Vishakapatnam-Calcutta- Andamans

Nature Lovers Cruise
Mumbai -Goa- Mangalore- Lakshadweep-Mumbai
Mumbai-Vizag-Paradeep-Kolkatta

Party Cruise
Goa (Sea and river Cruises) -Cochin (Kerala Backwaters)-Goa
Vishakapatnam-Kolkatta-Sundarbans River Cruise

High seas cruise or ‘Cruise to Nowhere’
Chennai -Andaman- High Seas
Cochin-Lakshadweep-High Seas
Vishakapatnam-Paradeep-Andamans-Highseas

Not any major players (luxury cruise ship operators) have shown their interest for luxury cruise operation in India yet. Two operators now started are Star Cruise and Indian Ocean Cruise. However it is a good sign for cruise tourism that major player in cruise tourism industry like Royal Caribbean has already opened its outposts in India. Royal Caribbean is one of the three major players in luxury cruise line industry, which include Royal Caribbean Princess cruises and Carnival Corporation.

After what all we do to improve cruise tourism, the main and the first priority we have to give is to develop the most modern and international cruise terminals. From the government survey also, it is clear that both foreign and Indian tourists are of the opinion to develop cruise terminals to international levels.

Since cruise terminals are the entry and exit point for luxury cruise liners, it can be consider as another destination for cruise tourists. There must be initiation from government of India to develop major cruise terminals to international standards.

Cochi/Kochi (Queen Of Arabian Sea) As Cruise Tourism Destination

Cochi (also called Kochi) in Kerala (God's Own Country) is growing beyond a metro city to a major luxury cruise destination of the international cruise market. With the arrival of major players in luxury cruise liners like Luxury Cruise Queen Marry 2, Luxury Cruise Aurora, Luxury Cruise Queen Elizabeth 2 , Cochi(Kochi) is emerging as a major center of attraction for both tourists and Kerala tourism industry.




On Wednesday March 07, 2007 the world's largest, longest, tallest luxury liner Queen Marry 2 with 1,132 feet in length and weight of 150,000 tonnes arrived at Cochi(Kochi) port. On its maiden voyage of 80 days, Kochi port is the only port in India the luxury liner called.

As a part of tourism promotion, to attract more luxury cruise liners, Cochi(Kochi) port is planning to build a world-class cruise terminal in the northern end of Willingdon Island. There is no doubt that this step will help Kerala tourism industry to gain a lot. As per the reports from newspapers, money spend by tourists of Qeen Marry 2 in Kerala will come around 2.5 Crore Rs for just one day.

Kerala tourism industry thus found more potential on Cruise Tourism that any other. State economy can also increase by promoting cruise tourism.

Top Luxury Cruise vessels which already arrived in Cochi(Kochi) includes luxury cruise vessel Queen Elizabeth 2, luxury cruise vessel Super Star Libra , luxury cruise vessel Pacific Princess, luxury cruise vessel Nautica and others like Aurora Oriana etc.


Luxury Cruise Aurora:

Photographer of the above pictures : Ian Britton. Photo source : www.freefoto.com

Events after the arrival of Queen Marry 2

Distace view of Cochin from Queen Marry 2 . Photo © Andrewtoddphillips

Queen Marry 2 In Cochi(Kochi) Port. Photo © Sajith K

Passengers from Qeen Marry 2 in Cochi(Kochi) port. Photo © Andrewtoddphillips

Tourist buses specially arranged for passengers of QM2 in Cochi(Kochi) port. Photo © Andrewtoddphillips

Cultural programs arranged for tourists of QM2 out side the port. Photo © Andrewtoddphillips

Tourists of QM2 in Cochin. Photo © Andrewtoddphillips

Tourists visiting a temple at Cochi(Kochi). Photo © Andrewtoddphillips