QTA Joins Cruise Arabia Alliance

Dubai, May 06 (QNA) - Qatar Tourism Authority joined a regional alliance this year at the Arabian Travel Market to strengthen the Gulfs position as a cruise destination. Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority, said: "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." 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 $8 billion 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 recognize 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: "Since the inception of this alliance in late 2013, we have received a warm welcome from the industry and stakeholders unanimously; we have started to see the success manifest. The recent joining of two new regional partners, Qatar and Sharjah Tourism authorities, will surely take this alliance to new levels of strength. After our successful participation in Cruise Shipping Miami event in March 2015, ATM is the first mega regional event where Cruise Arabia is represented by five member destinations. 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." Sultan Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director Tourism, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, said: "The forthcoming cruise season is expected to usher in a new era for our cruise ambitions with the opening of the new Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal and the return of some of the world’s leading cruise lines to our shores." Qatar Tourism Authority works in partnership with stakeholders to plan regulate and promote the development of a sustainable and mature tourism sector that contributes to Qatar’s future and positions the country as a leading tourism destination. (QNA)