Cruise Saudi bestows offerings
Ragda Bakhorji, Corporate Communications Director, invites Global Cruise Lines to visit Saudi and explore its excursions as they present their attractions at ITB Berlin this year. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers much more than that. It features unique nature, heritage, culture, culinary experiences that can be explored though high-quality excursions, she adds.
Could you give us an introduction on Cruise Saudi and its mandate in developing the Saudi Tourism?
Cruise Saudi is an entity driving the development of a fully integrated, worldclass cruise industry in Saudi—an industry that did not exist prior to our launch in 2021. We are working with local and global partners, including government entities, to develop the infrastructure required to attract cruise lines, and curate destination experiences and high-quality shore excursions for passengers visiting Saudi, in line with our vision of becoming a world-class cruise port and cruise line operator.
What is the aim of Cruise Saudi’s participation in ITB Berlin this year?
Cruise Saudi is responsible for scaling cruise services, from marketing to Shorex coordination and vessel operations to ensure we build an offshore and onshore cruise ecosystem in Saudi. In ITB Berlin, we are participating in conjunction with the Saudi Tourism Authority, positioning Saudi as a cruise destination to be included in global cruising itineraries, and a unique and unexplored destination in the Middle East full of unforgettable and authentic experiences.
After three years, ITB Berlin is back, so what are your expectations this year?
ITB Berlin is a leading travel trade show that brings together diverse
sectors evolving around travel and tourism, showcasing their latest innovations, technologies, products, and services, to build up a comprehensive tourism ecosystem. As a new player in the cruising arena, Cruise Saudi is keen on exploring all type of related offerings as well as networking and partnering with the other industry players to achieve its objectives in developing Saudi Cruise industry, in line with Vision 2030.
Since the business will resume in 2023, how do you intend to bank on this?
Last year was a transition period for the industry. The same goes for Cruise Saudi as well. We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead.
After two successful cruising seasons 2021 and 2022 on Saudi’s coastline on the Red Sea, we have started this year with the exciting and historical occasion of opening the first maritime gateway to visit Saudi from the Arabian Gulf, with the inauguration of our Cruise Berth and terminal in King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. Now with gateways on both coastlines, we aim to welcome more cruise lines to explore Saudi and increase the number of global and local tourists to live unique nature, heritage, culture, and culinary experiences.
Since you have been instrumental in promoting Saudi’s cultural heritage, how will you implement this in the cruise tourism sector?
Cruise Saudi invites global cruise lines to visit Saudi and explore the excursions the country has to offer, that can be included in their itineraries, for cruise lovers who are constantly on the lookout for new destinations and exceptional experiences. Saudi is a unique and unmissable destination with six United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World
Heritage Sites, which have rarely or never been seen by tourists; three of these are now accessible from the sea and available to be included as part of cruise itineraries—Al Hasa Oasis, Hegra Archaeological site in AlUla, and Al Balad (Historic Jeddah).
If you have never visited the country; whenever you hear ‘Saudi’ you think of deser ts and a hot climate. Well, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers much more than that. It features unique nature, heritage, culture, culinary experiences that can be explored though high-quality excursions. The diversity of the kingdom offers deserts, marine ecosystem, including snorkelling to explore the Red Sea’s coral reef, and a vibrant and warm culture.