Kochi
all set to be next leisure boating, yachting hub
by Juhan Samuel
Kochi:
Kochi is all set to be the gold mine for leisure and
tourism industry in the coming years. Boating and the
sports of yachting are gaining popularity in the port
city of Kochi. Many new events related to sailing are
in the pipeline and with that awaits huge investments.
With a pristine harbour, appropriate climate, welcoming
people and breathtaking views from the start to the end
of the journey with a year round cultural events, are
some of the few attractions which sailor can look forward
to and get on these waters. Till recently, the main location
for leisure boating in India was Mumbai, but the recent
terror attacks have turned investors and sailors to tiny
coastal city of Kochi. Adding to it is the recent Volvo
Ocean Race. For the first time in the event's history
the race touched Kochi Port in India, which made a mark
in the maritime map of yachting and a turning point. Apart
from many small sails held in Kochi, big sailing regattas
ones like the Blue Ocean Race are some taking as its permanent
stage.
Another
indicator of an emerging boating market is the success
of the Indian International Boat Show being held for the
fifth year. Other encouraging sign for the growth of boating
in India was the first Annual General Meeting of the India
Marine Federation held last year. Although no marinas
exist in India, a major International Marina project is
under way at Kochi coast, which will be a boon to such
activities. Experts in the field opine that neighbouring
countries like the Singapore, Thailand and Arabian Gulf
are very good examples to learn, where leisure boating
and marinas stimulated massive economic growth. Peter
T, a Marina Development Architect and Consultant and also
the Secretary of International Marina Community feel that
it is the right time that the governments should realise
the value of marina developments in the growth of tourism
to catch the market. For real investors in the leisure
tourism sector, there is a huge opportunity, building
marinas, hotels, apartment, yacht repairing and boat building
units are some of the few industry. In cruise tourism,
Kochi is one Port to receive a large chunk of cruise liners
to its shores.
Last
year, there was a record breaking arrivals at the Port
compared to other Indian Ports, bringing highest number
of tourists and revenue here. Among Gulf countries, Bahrain
is one emerging as a world leader for leisure boating.
Its islands provide opportunities for exploring and the
clear waters provide good fishing, waterskiing and diving.
People in the industry believe that there will be over
and above investment of 300 million dollars in the coming
years. But with the prevailing meltdown and financial
crisis, how much of the investors or the tourists come
to India or to Kochi, one will have to wait and watch.
Leisure boating takes place from several locations - the
Marina Club, which has berths for some 400 boats and occupies
a prime location near the business district; Al-Bandar
resort, which has 300 boats in the water and on its dry
stack; and the adjacent Yacht Club, which takes a further
250 boats. There is substantial infrastructure and property
development taking place, with 10 new waterside property
and marina projects under way. These include the Bahrain
Financial Harbour complex, Bahrain Bay, Durrat Al Bahrain
and the Amway Islands. All of these projects have marinas
and will be completed over the next five years.
-Jan
18, 2009
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