Saudi Tourism and Cruise Saudi...

The annual cruise and tourism event is taking place until 28 April in Miami

Representatives from the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Cruise Saudi are taking part in Seatrade Cruise Global, one of the biggest annual cruise and tourism events in the calendar.

Saudi is being represented for the second at the four-day event, which takes place in Miami and hosts travel professionals from more than 100 countries.

Both STA and Cruise Saudi teams intend to highlight the country’s diverse offering and update attendees on progress toward establishing Saudi as a cruise hub and tourist destination.

Representatives from other tourism entities in Saudi including the Royal Commission for AlUla, Albalad Historic Jeddah, and SAUDIA have also confirmed their attendance, a significant expansion from last year’s participation.

Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen said: “We are delighted to co-participate in Seatrade Cruise Global with STA – the organisation dedicated to driving tourism in Saudi and attracting an increasing number of visitors each year.

“As a bridge between land and sea, our goal is to showcase and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Saudi and what the destination has in store for domestic and international tourists.

“Our partnerships with key government stakeholders such as STA, as well as with private-sector entities, have been critical in developing the necessary cruise infrastructure and services to welcome cruise ships carrying more than 50,000 passengers to Saudi. In line with Vision 2030, the Saudi leadership’s overarching transformation plan for the country, Cruise Saudi is developing the local cruise industry as an additional economic engine to the flourishing tourism industry.”

Clasen added: “At the Seatrade Cruise Global Awards last year, we were honoured as a finalist in the category of Destination of the Year; and at this year’s event, we look forward to presenting Cruise Saudi as the newest player in the global cruise arena and how we plan to elevate our offering.”

STA CEO and board member Fahd Hamidaddin added: “Saudi is the authentic home of Arabia: a vibrant, youthful destination with a rich cultural heritage brought to life by the unparalleled hospitality of the Saudi people. Participating at events like Seatrade Cruise Global is an opportunity to introduce people to the real Saudi and highlight the many exciting opportunities that the country’s tourism sector offers.

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“We are proud to represent the country in partnership with Cruise Saudi – the company that is driving the development of a fully integrated, world-class and sustainable local cruise industry in Saudi.”

Cruise Saudi works closely with national entities such as STA, Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), the Red Sea Gateway Terminal, Saudi Customs and Immigration, Saudi Border Guard, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and several ministries. Collectively, the aim is to establish Saudi as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.

For more information, visit www.sta.gov.sa and www.cruisesaudi.com