Saudi Arabia's Aroya Cruise to set sail next summer
In a significant step forward for
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism goals, Cruise Saudi is set to launch the
first Mediterranean cruise line designed specifically for Arabian travelers, CEO
Lars Clasen shared with Anadolu. The new venture, Aroya Cruise, will set
sail next summer, catering uniquely to the tastes and preferences of Arabian
guests—a focus rarely seen in the global cruise market.
“The global cruise market has
traditionally centered on European and North American travelers,” Clasen said.
“Our goal with Aroya Cruise is to offer a product that is distinctly Arabian,
something that hasn’t been available before.” He emphasized that Cruise Saudi’s
approach stands out by creating a tailored experience for Arabian guests, setting
the company apart from other cruise operators.
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Aroya Cruise’s Mediterranean debut
is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy
by bolstering tourism. Beyond Aroya, Cruise Saudi is also actively working to
attract international cruise lines to Saudi ports. Operating from three major ports—Jeddah,
Yanbu, and Dammam—the company is in talks with several global cruise lines to
draw international visitors to the Kingdom’s unspoiled Red Sea coastline and
rich cultural heritage.
Clasen highlighted that Saudi
Arabia’s investment in infrastructure has been crucial for this expansion.
Working with entities like Mawani (Saudi Ports Authority) and the Saudi Tourism
Authority, Cruise Saudi is developing ports and shore excursions that showcase
the country’s unique heritage and stunning landscapes.
As part of the Kingdom’s ambitious
goal to attract 150 million annual visitors by 2030, Cruise Saudi aims to
welcome 1.3 million international cruise tourists by 2035. “While the numbers
may seem modest, cruise tourists typically spend more than the average visitor,
so the economic impact is substantial,” Clasen noted. He also acknowledged that
building new ports and facilities is a capital-intensive endeavor, requiring
long-term planning and investment.
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One challenge Cruise Saudi faces is
ensuring a seamless immigration process for cruise guests. Clasen highlighted
the importance of streamlined immigration to enhance the visitor experience,
mentioning that they are exploring AI solutions to accelerate passenger
clearance.
In addition to its international
efforts, Cruise Saudi is promoting cruise travel within the Kingdom. Aroya
Cruises will primarily operate in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, offering a
premium experience for over 3,000 guests. As the nation transforms, Clasen
believes the cruise industry aligns well with Saudi Arabia’s evolving image.
“Global cruise lines are increasingly
intrigued by Saudi Arabia’s emerging destinations. It’s an exciting time for
the cruise industry, and Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a sought-after
addition to worldwide itineraries,” he said.
Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/
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