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Summary:

The Cochin Port Authority (CPA) is moving forward with plans to boost tourism on Willingdon Island by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Greenix Experiences Pvt. Ltd. The ₹300 crore project will transform a 20-acre area near the existing cruise terminal into a tourist destination with hotels, shopping centers, and recreational facilities aimed at cruise passengers and crew. While the MoU is non-binding, a detailed project report (DPR) is expected within three months, after which a tender process will begin. The project cost will be shared between the government and private investors. The aim is to create experiential tourism opportunities within the port premises, catering to cruise passengers who may not have time to travel further afield.

News Article:

Willingdon Island Set for ₹300 Crore Tourism Boost Following CPA Deal

KOCHI – The Cochin Port Authority (CPA) has announced a major initiative to transform Willingdon Island into a premier tourist destination. An Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth ₹300 crore has been signed with Kochi-based Greenix Experiences Pvt. Ltd., signaling a significant step towards developing cruise and allied tourism facilities on the island.

The agreement, finalized at India Maritime Week in Mumbai, focuses on developing a 20-acre plot adjacent to the existing cruise terminal at Ernakulam Wharf. Plans include the construction of hotels, shopping centers, and recreational amenities specifically designed for cruise passengers and crew members.

“Cruise ships arrive with thousands of passengers and a large number of crew members, who often do not have the time to travel to distant locations from the port,” stated CPA sources. “If we can provide facilities for experiential tourism within the terminal premises, it would be a major advantage.”

While the MoU is currently non-binding, the CPA anticipates a detailed project report (DPR) within the next three months. Following the DPR, a tender process will be initiated to select private investors who will share the project costs with the government.

This project aligns with the CPA’s larger mission to develop a mega cruise terminal and related infrastructure, solidifying Kochi’s position as a preferred destination for cruise ships. The CPA hopes this development will significantly boost tourism revenue and create new opportunities for the local economy.

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