Thiruvananthapuram: Vizhinjam International Port is set to open up new tourism opportunities with ship crew members now being permitted to go ashore, visit nearby destinations and return to their vessels. The initiative, expected to provide a significant boost to local tourism, follows the port receiving approval from the Immigration Check Post (ICP).

With the approval in place, crew members aboard vessels calling at Vizhinjam will be able to avail themselves of the 'shore leave' facility. While ships are engaged in cargo operations, crew members- including foreign nationals- will be allowed to step ashore and explore nearby destinations.

Visits to temples and popular tourist locations such as Kovalam and Shanghumugham beach are among the activities being planned, after which the crew members will return to their ships.

Officials said the Ports and Tourism departments have already begun discussions to prepare a detailed tourism project to facilitate guided city tours for visiting crew members. Authorities are hopeful of a further expansion in tourism activity, particularly with cruise ships also expected to start calling at the port in the future.