Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: Cruise Saudi, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), plans to open new maritime routes as part of its strategy to attract tourists to explore Saudi Arabia.
The company’s strategy includes developing Jazan Port as a new stop for global cruise ships and boosting tourism in Madinah, Ghassan Khan, Chief Strategy Officer of Cruise Saudi, stated in an interview with Asharq Al Awsat newspaper.
He clarified that the company aims to open 10 ports, attract 1.3 million visitors through cruise ships, and create 50,000 jobs in the tourism sector by 2035.
Speaking about the company’s achievements in 2023, Khan noted that it welcomed more than 170,500 visitors from 120 countries in addition to 13 inaugural visits by international cruise companies.
Khan further said that 77% of Cruise Saudi’s workforce is Saudi citizens, stating that the company collaborates with local universities and government entities to provide training programs for Saudis looking to work in the tourism sector, including maritime tourism.
