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Forum to discuss cruising in Mideast

Abu Dhabi, October 23, 2013

Several cruise lines are set to discuss the development of cruising in the Middle East and other key regional issues at a forum to be held in Abu Dhabi in December.

The Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum will take place at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island from December 9 to 11, with the support of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and its Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau.

Costa Cruises, the first to launch regular cruising in the Middle East in 2006, will join nine leading cruise lines at the forum.

Costa’s Dario Rustico said: “The UAE and region is a firm fixture in our winter deployment and we are planning to invest more to develop the local source market. For the 2013/2014 season, we will deploy two ships in the region – the Costa Fortuna with a capacity for 3,470 passengers and the Costa Neo Riviera which has a capacity for 1,727 passengers - offering cruises calling at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Khasab.

“The two ships will make a total of 27 cruises in the region and next year we will deploy a larger ship, the Costa Serena, which has a capacity for 3,780 passengers for another 17 cruises”.

“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,” said Sultan Al Dhaheri, director of Tourism Eco-Systems at TCA Abu Dhabi.

Delegates will hear from the cruise line operators and other global experts as they discuss the region’s cruise challenges and opportunities.

The event will launch with a summit attended by regional ministers, tourism leaders, port and immigration officials, which will then be followed by a full day conference programme 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.  It also includes a welcome reception and gala dinner for all delegates and summit participants. - TradeArabia News Service




Tags: abu dhabi | Middle East | forum | Seatrade | line | December | Cruise |

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