Guwahati, July 9: Assam is exploring a strategic partnership with the Schulte Group, a leading Germany-based maritime and cruise services company, to strengthen the state's river cruise tourism sector, expand skill development, and create overseas employment opportunities for its youth.
 |
| Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota holds discussions with a delegation from Germany's Schulte Group on strengthening river cruise tourism, developing globally benchmarked hospitality and maritime skill programmes, and creating overseas employment opportunities for Assam's youth. (Image: X/CSAssam_) |
Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota held a meeting with a delegation from Bernhard Schulte Cruise & Hospitality Services (BSM) and the Schulte Group, led by Martin Springer, President – Cruise & Hospitality, Frank Oertel, Managing Director – Cruise, and Captain Sanjay Kushwaha, Director – Cruise & Hospitality.
The discussions centred on enhancing Assam's river cruise tourism ecosystem through internationally benchmarked training programmes and developing a skilled workforce for the global cruise and hospitality industries. The delegation also expressed interest in assessing Assam's existing training infrastructure and exploring collaboration under the state's initiatives for overseas employment and skill development.
Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, the Schulte Group is a globally recognised maritime and cruise services organisation with expertise in cruise ship management, hospitality services, maritime training, and international workforce development. The company is licensed by the Directorate General of Shipping and the Ministry of External Affairs to recruit and deploy Indian seafarers and overseas professionals.
ALSO READ: Assam Explores Global Partnerships to Boost Trade, Investment and Economic Growth
Officials highlighted Assam's vast potential for inland water transport and cruise tourism, noting that the state has more than 1,000 kilometres of navigable waterways, including the Brahmaputra River, one of India's largest river systems. These waterways provide significant opportunities to develop sustainable river-based tourism and improve connectivity.
The proposed collaboration is expected to help position Assam as a leading destination for river cruise tourism while equipping local youth with globally recognised hospitality and maritime skills. It is also expected to open new avenues for international employment, attract investment into the tourism sector, and strengthen Assam's integration with global tourism and maritime value chains.
The meeting reflects the Assam government's continued efforts to leverage international partnerships to accelerate economic growth, promote sustainable tourism, and generate employment opportunities through skill development and global industry collaboration.
