PIF-backed Cruise Saudi joins World Travel & Tourism Council

  • Date: 26-Oct-2021
  • Source: GCC Business News
  • Sector:Tourism
  • Country:Saudi Arabia
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PIF-backed Cruise Saudi joins World Travel & Tourism Council



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Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, Public Investment Fund (PIF)-backed company, Cruise Saudi has confirmed that it has become a member of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Cruise Saudi, launched at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) earlier this year, is committed to bringing the global cruise industry to Saudi Arabia. The company has worked together with stakeholders such as the Saudi Port Authority (MAWANI) to guide the construction of a new cruise terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, Saudi Arabia’s largest port. 

The company has also signed agreements with leading global cruise operators to bring their ships to Saudi waters. MSC Bellissima, owned by MSC Cruises, a privately-owned cruise line, and luxury liner Scenic Eclipse, have both been sailing the Saudi coastline during the summer season. 

The membership of Cruise Saudi in WTTC, which advocates for the development of the travel and tourism sector as a driver of sustainable economic growth, will further establish the cruise industry of the Kingdom as global leisure travel begins to resume following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Fawaz FarooquiMD – Cruise Saudi

“Our membership of WTTC is an important step in fulfilling Saudi Arabia’s plans to become a new pillar for the global cruise industry. We have an unparalleled blend of cultural,