NOVEMBER 8: For the third year in a row, the Government of India Tourist Office in collaboration with the Confederation of Tourism Professionals is organising a boat float parade in Mumbai on November 12.Twenty illuminated launches, sponsored by leading hotels, restaurants, and travel agents will leave the Gateway of India on a harbour cruise which will last for over two hours. A combination of dance, music and international cuisine will be part of the programme in the launches. Regional director of tourism, Western and Central India, Ram P Chopra said the event has been organised again due to the overwhelming response received in the last two years.Chopra said apart from the 20 sponsored boats, the Jal Vahatuk Association will also accept bookings from members of the public. They will charge Rs 250 per person, and no children will be allowed for reasons of safety, he added. ``We want this to be an annual event and are trying hard to promote it,'' Chopra said.The Coast Guard has lent support to the event. A chopper will hover throughout the two-hour float for aerial monitoring. Also, apart from guides and officers of the tourism department, an expert swimmer would be on-board every float.Participants in the event include Hotel Ambassador, Atithi Centaur, Fariyas, Holiday Inn, Marine Plaza, Orchid, Sun-n-Sand, Taj Mahal Hotel, West End, Gaylord restaurant, Not Just Jazz by the Bay, Palm Grove, Travel Corporation of India, Indian Association of Tour Operators and Cottage Industries Exposition.
