Kochi: In a move that could boost Kerala’s tourism sector, a group of international cruise passengers will reach Kochi on November 29. The passengers will reach Kochi on a ship named ‘Europa’.

‘Europa’ will travel through Mumbai, Goa, Mangaluru, Kochi and Phuket.

The Kochi port is ready with all the facilities to welcome passengers. In December, more tourists are expected to visit Kochi for the Muziris Biennale.

As many as 20 ship services are expected to reach Kochi this financial year. Apart from this, 11 international cruise ships will also arrive in Kochi.

Meanwhile, the union government has extended till 2023 the tariff relaxation that was put in place during the pandemic. With this, ships would receive a relaxation of about 70 per cent in the total amount that they have to pay at the port. But the tax that shipping companies have to pay per person at the port has been increased from $5 to $6.