Cruise executives call for regional association

Dubai: A Gulf association is key to the promotion and development of the growing cruise industry in the region, according to speakers at the Sixth Seatrade Middle East Cruise Conference in Dubai.

Keynote speaker Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman and CEO of Costa Crociere - which has three cruise ships based in Dubai for the winter season - said a permanent forum was needed to debate and progress issues such as port infrastructure, shore excursions and immigration formalities.

His views were echoed by Michael Bayley, Senior Vice President International for Royal Caribbean Cruises. "A body such as the European Cruise Council or Asian Cruise Association would be an excellent vehicle for collective development of the industry within the region, to include representatives from government, tour operators and cruise lines themselves," Bayley said.

Gulf growth

Regional destinations endorsed the idea as well, with the CEO for tourism marketing and promotion from Bahrain, Mohammad Nass, supportive of the initiative. "Cruise passenger numbers in Bahrain have tripled over the past year, and while our port is more used to dealing with cargo than people, we would welcome the establishment of a regional forum for cruises," he said.

Conference moderator, Seatrade Chairman Chris Hayman, announced that arrangements were underway for Seatrade to host a dedicated cruise workshop next year which would assist co-operation and dialogue between those involved in the regional cruise sector. "We are investigating hosting a three-day event in Dubai aimed at bringing together ports, destinations, shorex companies and cruise lines," he said.

Meanwhile, conference delegates called for development of more infrastructure and promotion to increase the appeal of the Gulf beyond attractive Dubai.