DOHA: Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), along with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, has joined a regional alliance this year at the Arabian Travel Market to strengthen the Gulf’s position as a cruise destination.
Working with the existing members of the Cruise Arabia Alliance, Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), The Oman Ministry of Tourism (Oman Tourism), and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the new members will encourage further smart collaboration between destinations to create ‘power itineraries’ that draw cruise customers from across the globe.
“The Cruise Arabia Alliance is a successful example of advancing regional cooperation for the shared benefits of our respective tourism industries. We are delighted to be working with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Oman to further grow regional cruise services, showcasing our marine life, harbors and cities,” said QTA Chairman Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi.
QTA displayed its plans at the ATM Cruise Pavilion to transform the Old Doha Port into a cruise harbor, following the transfer of all cargo shipping operations by mid-2016 to the $8bn ‘New Doha Port.’
“The Old Doha Port renewal project will form a major transformation and tourist attraction as we boost our cruise and marine tourism through initiatives such as the Cruise Arabia Alliance,” said Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development Officer at QTA.
“We recognise that the number of visitors will peak during the World Cup 2022, and our strategy is not to over-develop the hotel sector to ensure sustainability beyond 2022,” he added. “As such we have a plan to use cruise ships as temporary accommodation that will supplement the existing inventory of hotel rooms.”
Cruise Arabia Alliance targets cruise markets in Europe and North America, as well as emerging markets such as China, India, and the GCC. It highlights the rich destination offerings and many benefits of cruise holidays such as their family-friendly nature, the affordability of cruise travel, and the variety of on-board entertainment available as travelers explore multiple destinations at a leisurely and relaxed pace.
The Arabian Gulf is among the world’s top-three winter cruise destinations, where sunshine, majestic desert landscapes and futuristic cityscapes meet. The five destinations bring together the best of what the Gulf has to offer from attractions, hotels, retail, and authentic Arabian experiences.
Hamad bin Mejren, Senior Vice President of Dubai Tourism said: “The recent joining of two new regional partners, Qatar and Sharjah Tourism authorities, will surely take this alliance to new levels of strength. With this growing collaboration, our vision for the alliance — to unify efforts for positioning the region as the leading winter cruise destination in the world — is not too far.”
The Peninsula
