Context: Recently, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, flagged off the maiden voyage of the vessel Costa Serena, the first International Cruise Liner in India from Mumbai.

• Such cruise initiatives are part of ‘Dekho Apna Desh’, an initiative to the middle class to prefer domestic tourism over international tourism.

Dekho Apna Desh

• Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Tourism spearheads the Dekho Apna Desh initiative.
• Aim: To enhance tourism in India and encourage people to explore the nation's diverse cultural heritage.

oDekho Apna Desh offers financial support to travelers who are exploring different parts of India.

oA significant budget has been earmarked by the government to execute the program, with a focus on improving travel experiences and enhancing tourist infrastructure on a national scale.

• Objectives: The scheme aims to increase domestic tourism in India and under this plan, around 50 destinations in the country will be developed and promoted to attract tourists.

 First International Cruise Line

• About: The Costa Serena is a Concordia-class cruise ship owned and operated by Costa Cruises.
• The government's plan involves the development of three new international cruise terminals in Andamans, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep.
• These terminals are anticipated to become operational by 2024.
• The government has a vision of increasing the count of cruise ships from 208 in 2023 to 500 in 2030 and possibly up to 1100 by 2047.
• Aim: To see the number of passengers grow from 9.5 lakhs in 2030 to 45 lakhs in 2047.
• Maritime India Vision 2030: Government envisions to establish India as the premier cruise hub in the Asia Pacific region.