Cruise Saudi was formally welcomed as an executive partner of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) during the annual CLIA Diamond Partner Lunch at Seatrade Cruise Global. As the world's largest cruise industry trade organization, CLIA provides a unified voice and is the leading authority of the global cruise community, fostering the success of its members by advocating, educating and promoting their common interests. As a member of CLIA, Cruise Saudi joins more than 50 cruise lines, 13,000 global travel agency and 50,000 travel agent members and the other 95% of the world's ocean-going cruise capacity bodies. Cruise Saudi will have the opportunity to attend networking events and engage with industry stakeholders from around the world to build relationships and connections with the global cruise industry. Joining CLIA highlights Cruise Saudi's ongoing commitment to contributing to the development of Saudi Arabia into a premier cruise destination. In just a few months the company has already made strong progress, taking Saudi's cruise industry from non-existent to facilitating the operation of some of the only ships to sail this summer. Cruise Saudi has already established partnerships with major cruise lines — with MSC Bellissima and Scenic Eclipse in operation sailing the Saudi coastline for the summer season. The upcoming winter season will see an expansion of cruising in the Kingdom — with more ships added to the roster and more cruise line partners to continue to grow cruising in Saudi Arabia. Fawaz Farooqui, managing director of Cruise Saudi, said: "We are proud to announce our membership of CLIA, one of the most prestigious industry trade bodies. "We look forward to actively contributing to the association's events and forging productive partnerships with its vast network of members that will help us advance our goal of developing the cruise industry along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coastlines." He added: "In line with Vision 2030, Cruise Saudi supports the diversification of the Saudi economy and drives the growth of the local tourism sector by showcasing the country's nature, culture and heritage to domestic and international cruise passengers. "To achieve our objectives, we build synergies with global cruise operators and provide best-in-class tourist services with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Our membership of CLIA will significantly expand our reach in promoting Saudi Arabia's unique and unexplored offerings to the world." Mark Robinson, chief commercial and operations officer, said "Having been a previous engaged Diamond Partner, it give me pleasure to be a partner once again with CLIA. The whole team at Cruise Saudi look forward to working with Kelly and all her team to establish CLIA in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
