KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER
India's first international marina in Kochi
A full-fledged marina of international standards; first of its kind in India has come up in Kochi. Poised to become an icon in the travel and tourism sector of Kerala, the marina was inaugurated by Sri. A. K. Antony, Honourable Minister for Defence, Government of India, in the presence of Sri. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Honourable Minister for Tourism, Government of Kerala.
Not far away from Marine Drive on the mainland of Kochi and close to the sea port of Kochi, the marina would have berthing facilities for 50 yachts at a time. Further, there is a Marina House, which would serve as a station for vessels to refuel and to replenish their stores. The Marina House would also have accommodation facility. According to Cherian Philip, Chairman, KTDC, the Marina House has 32 rooms, a recreation centre, convention centre and playground for children. One of the main attractions, which is part of the marina at Bolgatty Island would be the golf course.
This stopover for yachts would significantly enhance cruise tourism to Kerala, according to Dr. Venu V., Secretary, Kerala Tourism. Vessels that have membership with the London-based International Marina Club would benefit more by the Kochi marina, he said. It is expected that it will be a stopover for ships coming from Sidney, Singapore, Dubai and also European nations, especially from the next tourism season onwards, said Mr. M. Sivasankar, Director, Kerala Tourism.
