Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 18 - Louis Cruises India, a subsidiary of one of the world's leading cruise operators Louis Cruises, launched its operations in India with Kochi as its home port.

Louis Cruises India managing director Oneil Khosa has signed an agreement with Kerala Tourism Director M. Sivasankar in the presence of State Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan to use the Cochin Port for five years.

The Louis Group, a leading Europe-based tour operator, has 20 luxury hotels in Greece and Cyprus, besides a fleet of 12 cruise ships.

After the signing, Balakrishnan said the Kochi port was emerging as a major destination for cruise tourism.

'Kochi was a natural choice for Louis Cruises not just because it has all potential of an emerging cruise hub but also of the positive approach of the state government towards tourism,' the minister said.