Indians like to travel with families, says Jurgen Bailom Cordelia Cruises President & CEO
In a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, India’s travel industry has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years. Among the key players driving this growth is Cordelia Cruises, a pioneering cruise line that has revolutionized the way Indians travel. In an exclusive conversation with Deccan Chronicle, Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt. Ltd., Cordelia Cruises talks about how the company has tapped into the vast potential of India’s cruise market, offering unparalleled experiences to travellers.
Understanding the market
Jurgen emphasizes the importance of understanding the Indian market’s unique characteristics. “Indians like to travel with families. While the new generation has passports, the parents or kids often don’t. Visa restrictions and passport restrictions also limit international travel,” he says. This insight led Cordelia Cruises to create a unique concept – cruising for Indians, in India, and neighboring destinations, with an Indian twist.
With its state-of-the-art ship, Cordelia Cruises offers an unforgettable experience, blending international standards with Indian hospitality. Jurgen explains, “We figured out very quickly that food and beverage are crucial to Indian mentality and culture. We have to have Jain food, veg, non-veg, and spices that cater to Indian tastes.” This attention to detail is perhaps what has made Cordelia Cruises a preferred choice for Indian travellers.
Standout Features
Unique entertainment tailored to Indian audience, best itineraries.
Other unique features include:
- Tandoori ovens on board, serving authentic Indian cuisine
- Flexible dining timings, allowing guests to eat whenever they want
- Buffet-style meals, preferred by Indians
- A dedicated thali restaurant for veg and non-veg options
Sustainable Tourism Practices
Cordelia Cruises prioritises sustainable tourism practices, focusing on short cruises (3-5 days) and multiple embarkation/disembarkation points. Jurgen highlights the importance of government support in developing cruise-friendly infrastructure. “We are working closely with the shipping ministry, state governments, and port authorities to create facilities that cater to cruise ships.”
India’s Cruise Market Potential
Jurgen is optimistic about India’s cruise market potential and says, “India can become the second-largest cruise market in the world within 7-10 years. We are on the same path as China was 15-20 years ago.” However, he acknowledges challenges, such as limited port facilities, distance and travel time among others.
Job creation
Cordelia Cruises aims to create employment opportunities and contribute to India’s economic growth. “We want to create a lot of jobs, not just on our ship but also in the tourism sector,” Jurgen emphasizes.
The Future of Cruising in India
As Cordelia Cruises continues to pave the way for India’s cruise industry, Jurgen remains confident about the future. “Sustainability of cruising is long-term. It takes work from various groups – government, private sector, and us. But I am sure the future looks very bright for cruising in India,” he signs off.