Saudi Arabia is to establish a cruise company, aiming to generate more than 50,000 jobs in the tourism industry.
Saudi Cruise, launched by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the new initiative will enhance Saudi Arabia’s to become established on the international cruise map as a tourist destination, in line with the goals of the Vision 2030 reform plan.
Routes will be developed with the aim of exploring the country’s heritage and culture while at the same time preserving the environment and protects natural resources.
The aims are to:
*Enhance the Kingdom’s efforts to become a new tourist destination on the international cruise map.
*Form a strategic bridge between the sea and land operations through the development of cruise ports and terminals in several Saudi cities to ensure an integrated experience for visitors.
*Its launch is in line with the Public Investment Fund Strategy 2021-2025, which focuses on releasing the capabilities of non-oil sectors.
The new company is based in Jeddah on the Red Sea coast and is also working in partnership with the relevant authorities to develop tourist destinations and to develop cruise itineraries.
The PIF and its subsidiaries aim to contribute SAR1.2 trill to non-oil GDP in total by the end of 2025.
To help kick start the plan, Cruise Saudi has hired two executives who will be joining the Cruise Saudi team in Jeddah in the coming weeks.
Mark Robinson, previously with Global Ports Holding & Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services and Miguel Reyna, previously with Royal Caribbean Group, will lead business growth and oversee asset development, according to the organisation.
