Chennai: The Indian Maritime University (IMU) and the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM Chennai) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote skill development in cruise tourism and hospitality services.

This partnership aims to create a skilled workforce to meet the growing demand for crew and hospitality professionals in the national and international cruise industry.

The collaboration will support the Cruise India Mission, launched in September 2024, to promote career opportunities in both hospitality and maritime sectors. The institutions will offer short-term courses, awareness programs, and hands-on training for students aspiring to work on cruise ships.

Key initiatives include certification programs in Merchant Navy and Passenger/Cruise Ships, including safety and familiarization training by IMU, and specialized hospitality training in soft skills, dining etiquette, and food safety by IHM Chennai. The partnership also involves organizing visits to maritime ports and ships for practical exposure.

This collaboration is expected to boost India's cruise tourism and contribute to the maritime sector's growth, aligning with the Prime Minister's vision for a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047.

The MoU was signed by IMU's Registrar Shri K Saravanan and IHM Chennai's Principal Ms. R. Parimala, with officials from both institutions and the Tamil Nadu Government in attendance.