Cruise Saudi, a 100% Public Investment Fund-owned company, will take part in one of the world’s largest cruise events from April 8-11, in Miami in Florida, US, that aims to exchange innovative ideas and forge collaborations in order to shape the future of the sector.

This year’s Seatrade Cruise Global will see over 10,000 industry professionals in attendance at Miami Beach Convention Center, representing more than 120 countries.

The Cruise Saudi team will include CEO Lars Clasen, and Chief Destination Experiences Officer Barbara Buczek, to showcase the company’s achievements to date and future ambitions to develop a thriving and world-leading cruise ecosystem in Saudi.

Cruise Saudi’s partners, Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), Saudi Red Sea Authority and NEOM will also participate at the event.

Lars Clasen, CEO at Cruise Saudi, said: “It is an opportunity to share news and exchange ideas with the global cruise community at Seatrade Cruise Global.

“From innovations in our Saudi ports, and our exciting, curated programme of shore excursions, to the imminent launch of our owned-cruise line Aroya Cruises, we are looking forward to a fruitful event meeting with existing and future partners as well as other industry leaders and stakeholders.”

On day one of Seatrade Cruise Global, Barbara Buczek will speak on an insightful panel discussion exploring sustainable actions and products that can be implemented to support ports and destinations.

The session, Navigating Persistent Challenges in Port Development Panel, will take place from 2.40pm in the Sunset Vista Ballroom at Miami Beach Convention Center.

Cruise Saudi, which has been participating in Seatrade Cruise Global since its launch in 2021, said it has achieved key milestones on the path to developing Saudi as a leading international cruise destination.

It is on the path to establishing cruising as one of the key pillars of tourism in Saudi, and aligning with the country’s wider vision as part of Saudi’s Vision 2030, it said.

Cruise Saudi has welcomed more than 370,000 passengers from over 120 countries to date, across its three existing ports in Jeddah, Yanbu and Dammam.

With two new ports under development in Jazan and Al Wajh to serve as cruise gateways, Cruise Saudi continues to work towards its goal of welcoming 1.3 million tourists to Saudi via sea by 2035. – TradeArabia News Service