Manama, May 13 (QNA) - Introducing a common tourist visa for visitors and the need for the GCC states to work jointly to promote the gulf region as a preferred cruise destination are vital to boost tourism, Qatar's tourism chief told a top forum here. Speaking at the keynote session of Seatrade Bahrain conference earlier this week, the first Middle East Cruise Forum, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority Ahmed Al Nuaimi, said, "We need to work together to promote the region as an ideal cruise destination. We will benefit more from passenger arrivals rather than if we each focus as individual countries."
Al Nuaimi introduced the idea of a common tourist visa for travelers to the GCC as one measure to facilitate easy movement 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.
The idea to create a regional cruising association was also mulled. Such an association would provide more information 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. The participants agreed to discuss this proposal further at a separate meeting involving the regional ports and tourism authorities.
Executives from the major cruise lines and regional stakeholders in the sector attended the forum in Bahrain. The three-day event from May 10-12 covered 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.
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 programmes.
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. Many participants reaffirmed this view.
Many countries in the region such as Oman and Dubai have recently started to further develop and expand their ports to receive larger cruise ships. Qatar also has announced plans for a new port. The cruise line companies are keen to see more expansion of ports in the region so that larger ships can be berthed.
A positive passenger experience is critical to the success of cruise tourism. Cruise line executives emphasized the importance of well-organized onshore excursions to get the interest of cruise passengers and tour operators and promotion of these excursions.
Besides catering to the larger cruise ships, the participants also talked about smaller luxury cruise liners arriving in the region with passengers looking for more an enriching experience. Qatar is well positioned to cater to these passengers, noted Al Nuaimi. "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.
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 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.
The existing Doha Port has reached its capacity as there has been a significant increase in the number of vessels arriving at the port to meet the growing needs of the country. The development of the New Doha Port is currently underway, which will better meet the current and future demands for building and construction materials to food supplies and other goods. The first phase of the New Doha Port, which will include the passenger cruise terminal, is scheduled to be operational at the end of 2014.
