DOHA: Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) will host Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum 2015 on December 7 and 8 at Kempinski Marsa Malaz.
The forum will bring together cruise line executives with government representatives and industry stakeholders from the ports, tourism, immigration and security departments to discuss the future of cruising in the Arabian Gulf.
It follows on from previous events in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai and recently Muscat.
The interactive forum will focus on generating new ideas for co-operation between destinations, and the role of initiatives such as Cruise Arabia Alliance in creating more opportunities for cruise lines.
The forum comes as QTA renews efforts to boost cruise tourism in line with the industry’s 20 percent growth in the region.
In addition to joining Cruise Arabia Alliance with tourism authorities of Oman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, QTA plans to welcome eight cruise ships to New Doha Port during the upcoming six-month cruise season.
“We are delighted to host this year’s Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum and look forward to working with partners to uncover exciting opportunities the cruise industry presents, and explore innovative ways to tackle some of the challenges of operating in this region,” said QTA Chairman Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi.
“The number of cruise ships and their size is increasing regionally, and the nature of cruise tourism means that the growth of one destination adds to the overall attractiveness of the region to cruise operators and the success of the regional itinerary.”
Al Mohannadi added that the region offers cruise passengers a unique new experience different and distinct from traditional, long-established cruise itineraries that cover the Caribbean, Mediterranean and other such familiar and well-travelled routes.
In its National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, QTA identified the cruise industry as a major focus in coming years and the outlook for Qatar to become a major cruise destination looks exceptionally bright.
QTA estimates that visitor arrivals from cruises into Qatar has the potential to rise by 350,000 within a year, once New Doha Port can accommodate larger cruise ships.
The Peninsula
DOHA: Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) will host Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum 2015 on December 7 and 8 at Kempinski Marsa Malaz.
The forum will bring together cruise line executives with government representatives and industry stakeholders from the ports, tourism, immigration and security departments to discuss the future of cruising in the Arabian Gulf.
It follows on from previous events in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai and recently Muscat.
The interactive forum will focus on generating new ideas for co-operation between destinations, and the role of initiatives such as Cruise Arabia Alliance in creating more opportunities for cruise lines.
The forum comes as QTA renews efforts to boost cruise tourism in line with the industry’s 20 percent growth in the region.
In addition to joining Cruise Arabia Alliance with tourism authorities of Oman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, QTA plans to welcome eight cruise ships to New Doha Port during the upcoming six-month cruise season.
“We are delighted to host this year’s Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum and look forward to working with partners to uncover exciting opportunities the cruise industry presents, and explore innovative ways to tackle some of the challenges of operating in this region,” said QTA Chairman Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi.
“The number of cruise ships and their size is increasing regionally, and the nature of cruise tourism means that the growth of one destination adds to the overall attractiveness of the region to cruise operators and the success of the regional itinerary.”
Al Mohannadi added that the region offers cruise passengers a unique new experience different and distinct from traditional, long-established cruise itineraries that cover the Caribbean, Mediterranean and other such familiar and well-travelled routes.
In its National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, QTA identified the cruise industry as a major focus in coming years and the outlook for Qatar to become a major cruise destination looks exceptionally bright.
QTA estimates that visitor arrivals from cruises into Qatar has the potential to rise by 350,000 within a year, once New Doha Port can accommodate larger cruise ships.
The Peninsula
