Many of the world's leading cruise line executives have confirmed that they will meet in Abu Dhabi city, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this December to discuss and debate key issues that need to be addressed to stimulate the development of cruising in the Middle East.
Azamara Club Cruises, Crystal Cruises Inc, Cunard UK, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises, TUI Cruises GmbH and The World have all pledged their attendance at the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum, which takes place in the newly-opened, five-star Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island from 9-11th December 2013.
The Forum is being organised by Seatrade, with the support of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and its Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau.
"The calibre of attending cruise line executives provides us, our regional counterparts and stakeholders, with essential face-to-face time with the decision-makers at the sharp end of the cruise industry so we can hear their concerns first-hand, together identify opportunities and forge stronger working relationships. This approach is in line with our strategy of involving stakeholders in the development of our ambitions and we view attendance as a vital investment for the region in realising its cruise ambitions," said Sultan Al Dhaheri, Director Tourism Eco-Systems, TCA Abu Dhabi.
The Forum follows an inter-regional cruise summit in Dubai in 2012 which brought together cruise line executives, regional stakeholders and government authorities and identified crucial topics that need to be addressed to enable cruising in the Middle East to develop and grow.
Delegates will hear from the cruise line operators and other global experts as they discuss the region's cruise challenges and opportunities. The event launches with a Summit attended by regional ministers, tourism leaders, port and immigration officials which will then be followed by a full day conference programme which is open to anyone with a vested interest in the cruise industry.
The Forum will also include a workshop where each of the hosted cruise line executives will have one-on-one appointments with officials from participating destinations. Networking opportunities include a welcome reception and gala dinner which will be attended by all delegates and summit participants.
"This is an unrivalled opportunity for destinations in the region to get in front of the real cruise itinerary decision-makers to present their individual cases for port-of-call inclusion," said Chris Hayman, Chairman, Seatrade.
The conference programme will be broken into 3 key sessions: Opportunities for growth in the region; challenges for the region and selling & marketing – best practice for a successful future. Each session is then broken into topics that have been identified as important areas for discussion.
"For cruising to move forward in the region, some key areas have to be addressed," added Chris Hayman. "This Forum is to discuss these issues and make decisions to enable a new chapter in Middle East cruising to begin."
Full details are available on the event website: www.seatrade-middleeastcruise.com
For more information, please contact:
Emma Howell
Head of Marketing, Middle East
Seatrade Communications Ltd
E: [email protected]
ABOUT ABU DHABI TOURISM & CULTURE AUTHORITY
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The authority manages the emirate's tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The authority supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate's heritage. A key authority role is to create synergy in the destination's development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.
www.tcaabudhabi.ae
www.visitabudhabi.ae
ABOUT SEATRADE
Established 40 years ago, Seatrade is a leader in cruise and maritime publications, conferences and exhibitions, training, awards and other special projects. Regular events include international trade exhibitions and conferences across all maritime sectors, management training courses for shipping professionals, training seminars for travel agents and award schemes, including the Seatrade Insider Cruise Awards. Seatrade publications include magazines, supplements and yearbooks, whilst Seatrade Insider provides daily cruise news online at seatrade-insider.com.
www.seatrade-middleeastcruise.com
