KOCHI:
As a step towards adding more attractions and interesting experience to Cruise Tourists a helicopter service has been introduced from Willingdon Island, Cochin by Chipsan Aviation in association with District Tourism Promotion Council, Kerala Tourism, Greenix Village.
The helicopter service was formally inaugurated by Dr. M. Beena, Chairperson, Cochin Port Trust on 20/11/2019. About 50 passengers enjoyed the Helicopter Ride on the initial day.
Five rides were sponsored by Steamer Agents Association, Cochin Customs Brokers Association, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Seafood Exporters Association. A special ride was arranged for Cancer Survivors along with Dr. V.P. Gangadharan, renowned Oncologist. 6 meritorious students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Cochin Port Trust were also included in one of the rides.
Cochin Port is one of the most favorite Cruise destinations in India. In the year 2018-19, 49 International Cruise ships visited Cochin Port with 62753 Passengers & 28828 crew members. This has been the highest ever cruise call in the Port & Cochin Port continued to remain as the leader in cruise calls amongst the entire cruise handling Ports of India.
Dr. M. Beena, Chairperson, Cochin Port Trust observed that 25% of the passengers arriving by cruise ships being repeat visitors a need was felt to induct more tours and interesting experiences in the itinerary. Hence, as a step towards it, Cochin Port Trust has identified Munnar & Jatayu Earth Centre as new destinations and this Helicopter Service will be operating trips to these tourist places during the arrival of cruise ships.
The Helicopter rides have also evoked very good response from the Cruise passengers as well as tour operators. A free Mehndi Designing was arranged at the Cruise Terminal – Samudrika at Cochin Port today for the cruise tourists arrived by the Vessel Azamara Quest. More such initiatives are in store for cruise tourists at Cochin including a new Cruise Terminal which would be completed by February 2020. (20-11-2019).
