Manama (13 May 2010) - Executives from the major cruise lines and regional stakeholders in the sector gathered in Bahrain this week at Seatrade Bahrain, the first Middle East Cruise Forum. The three-day event, which ran from 10 – 12 May, featured a conference program with discussions covering key topics related to promoting the industry in the region, and a workshop session where the destination participants and stakeholders met one–on-one to discuss business opportunities.

The Middle East has huge potential for cruise tourism. With more and more well-known international cruise lines deploying ships in the region, there is a growing momentum for cruise tourism in the Arabian Gulf. 

Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) led the conference keynote session which was held on the second day of the event.   During the session, tourism leaders from the region discussed the challenges and opportunities that the region face in increasing cruise tourism. Topics covered included immigration and visa issues, maximizing the economic impact of cruise tourism and shore excursion programs. 

“It is clear that we need to work together to promote the region as an ideal cruise destination,” said Mr. Al Nuiami. “We will benefit from more passenger arrivals than if we each focus as individual countries.” Mr. Al Nuaimi introduced the idea of a common tourist visa for travelers to the GCC as one measure to facilitate the ease of visitors around the region. This concept was discussed broadly in the session, and each participating country will consider it further for review again at a future meeting.  Also discussed was the idea to create a regional cruising association. Such an association would improve knowledge about the region to the international cruise line industry, work with regulatory and government authorities to improve the standards of operation in the region, and develop plans to produce viable economic opportunities for the regional tourism industry. It was agreed to discuss this further at a separate meeting which would involve the regional ports and tourism authorities.

 

The conference offered networking opportunities and discussion forums where cruise line executives were able to express their requirements with regards to facilities and infrastructure.  The sentiments from the executives were consistent and strong – there is great interest for cruising in the Middle East. In response to this, many countries in the region have recently started to further develop and expand their ports to receive the larger cruise ships such as in Dubai and Oman. Qatar also has announced plans for a new port in the near future. The cruise line companies are hoping to see more expansion with the ports in the region being able to receive the larger ships.

A positive passenger experience is critical to the success of cruise tourism. Cruise line executives emphasized the importance of well-organized and well-established onshore excursions to get the interest of cruise passengers and cruise tour operators, and promotion of these excursions through impactful marketing materials. In addition to catering to the larger cruise ships, the executives also raised the point about the smaller luxury cruise liners that arrive in the region bringing passengers looking for more an individual experience. To this point, Mr. Al Nuaimi noted that Qatar is well positioned to cater to these passengers. “Qatar does not cater to mass tourism, but rather focuses on upscale leisure with the capabilities of offering  bespoke tours to individuals and small groups,” he said.

Another target group for cruise tourism would be local residents. “Cruise tourism in the Middle East should not be a consideration just for western visitors,” noted one cruise line executive. “Residents within the region should also be encouraged to spend their holidays on a cruise ship, visiting the different countries and enjoying the onshore excursions. To this end, we will focus on our offerings to cater to the Arabic culture on the ships such as setting up prayer rooms and revising our menus in the restaurants.”

Qatar is taking cruise tourism seriously. The Doha Port is the current port of call for cruise ships. The port has 12 berths, and is shared with over 700 cargo and livestock vessels that arrive annually. Recognizing the importance of cruise tourism, the country has made efforts to improve facilities and services at the port.  “Making the experience of the arriving cruise ships and passengers a pleasant and efficient one is a priority of Qatar Tourism Authority,” said Mr. Al Nuaimi. “In early 2009 we eased the visa process for cruise passengers to be more streamlined, allowing them hassle-free arrival and maximum time for shore excursions.” A team from Qatar Tourism Authority welcomes each arriving passenger ship with Arabic coffee, local entertainment and brochures.