Oman’s Ministry of Tourism is planning to work with regional neighbours to create a Gulf-wide cruise product.
With the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain all working to develop their cruise sectors, the Ministry said it believes that the Gulf countries should join forces to develop a strong and attractive cruise industry.
“There are benefits from all ports in the Gulf of Arabia considering a regional cruise ship marketing strategy, backed with an attractive regional brand and associated messaging,” said HE Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism.
“A strategy would look at opportunities to develop cruise activity from the GCC and international markets, as well as from the Gulf’s inclusion in world cruise itineraries, and attracting a greater share of the cruises from Asia,” she added.
The Ministry added that regional cooperation would involve information sharing, coordinated passenger surveys, and a research-based approach to marketing the region. According to Ms Al Mahrouqi, these proposals will be discussed at this week’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM).
“While there have been past calls for a regional cruise ship strategy, I think ATM provides a valuable opportunity to rekindle thinking and discussion on the proposal, and I look forward to discussing this opportunity with colleagues,” she said.