Cruise Saudi, Discover Saudi continue shore excursions partnership

This follows a third season that saw Discover Saudi provide shore excursions to more than 5,200 cruise passengers in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Authentic experience

To fulfill the shared vision of promoting domestic tourism and increasing international cruise tourism, the shore excursions offer an authentic Saudi experience, enabling visitors to explore Makkah and Madinah's history, culture, heritage and nature.

'As we approach season four, we are delighted to renew our partnership with Discover Saudi, so that we can continue to ensure our guests experience the very best of what Saudi has to offer,' Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen said. 'These extraordinary experiences, created in collaboration with partners such as Discover Saudi, are a crucial part of Cruise Saudi’s attractive offering to both cruise lines and travelers alike.'

Plethora of attractions

'We are excited to continue to build on our relationship with Cruise Saudi,' added Almosafer's Fahad Alobailan, chief tourism officer at Almosafer. 'Saudi has a plethora of incredible cultural, natural, historical and religious attractions that are drawing an increasing number of international tourists. As a leading integrated destination management company, our local knowledge and passion for travel and tourism will provide an immersive and authentic experience for visitors and further fuel this upward growth in inbound tourism.'

Cruise Saudi aims to welcome 1.3m cruise visitors by 2035 and provide 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, while also supporting Saudi’s Vision 2030 and the nation’s tourism agenda, which aims to develop the tourism sector to account for 10% the kingdom’s GDP and to welcome 100m visitors annually.