Tag Archives: marine tourism

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has implemented two pioneering initiatives that focused on training human resources in working in luxury coastal resorts and travel agencies according to the best international practices. One of the initiatives targeted 1,059 trainees working in major Red Sea tourism projects such as Red Sea Global, Cruise Saudi, and NEOM. The training, which focused on customer service experiences and safety principles, was conducted as part of the second edition of the Tourism Trailblazers Program. (SPA report) The other initiative entailed increasing the public and private sectors integration through collaboration between the ministry and the authority in selecting elite human resources working in luxury coastal resorts and tourism marine agents organizing luxury cruise trips. These selected individuals participated in a specialized training program on a European cruise liner, accredited by the University of Plymouth, in partnership with Dale Carnegie UK and supervised by Umm Al-Qura University. The initiative aims to equip trainees with the skills and expertise needed in hospitality and guest service, and manage various hospitality-related operations on board cruise ships. These initiatives reflect the Ministry of Tourism’s and SRSA’s commitment to training national talent in the coastal tourism sector and their vital role in making Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast a leading coastal tourism destination. SRSA aims to provide over 210,000 jobs by 2030 and contribute more than SAR85 billion to the GDP that same year.

As millions of people around the world pack their bags for Europe, Uber unveiled its summer travel products designed to help tourists go anywhere by boat in some of the most popular destinations across the continent. The series of magical nautical experiences setting sail with Uber this summer will include the most luxurious mode of transport ever to launch on its app. Following Uber’s launch in Europe’s party capital last year, Uber Yacht will arrive on the shores of Ibiza in August, giving customers an affordable way to travel in ultimate style. In a world first, this once-in-a-lifetime product will allow holidaymakers to pre-book a private yacht for the day directly via the Uber app. Departing from Ibiza Town Marina every day at 12pm, Uber Yacht will offer groups of up to 8 people the opportunity to sail around the white isle in a luxurious Sunseeker Yacht for just €200 per head*. Each 8-hour trip comes with its own personal skipper, a complimentary bottle of champagne and locally sourced artisan snacks. In Uber style, transfers to and from the yacht are included – from anywhere on the island. From exploring the crystal waters of Formentera to sunsets at the legendary rock of Es Vedra, Uber Yacht will be available to pre-book via Uber Reserve in Ibiza starting on 26 July and a minimum of 24 hours in advance, with the product available during August. Uber Yacht leads a boat-load of new travel products launching across Europe just in time for the summer holidays. Starting in July, Uber will launch a first-of-its-kind water transport service in Italy’s most popular aquatic city, Venice. Customers can use the Uber app to summon a ‘Limo …

Vessev, a global leader in sustainable marine technology revealed the VS-9 which will unlock entirely new opportunities for premium passenger transport on the water. By partnering with Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, the VS-9 will become the first fully electric passenger vessel to operate in Auckland and the first hydrofoiling tourism vessel to operate in the world. NetZero Maritime, Fullers360’s specialist maritime green technology and innovation team, has played a pivotal role in the adoption of this new type of vessel. Designed and built by Vessev (formerly Seachange) the VS-9 delivers smooth and quiet travel on the water like never before. The state-of-the-art vessel is currently undergoing sea trials out of Auckland, New Zealand, and the first VS-9 will be certified this year, entering commercial operation with Fullers360 thereafter. The nine-meter VS-9 will transport up to 10 passengers at a service speed of 25 knots providing an experience that is more like flying than sailing The VS-9 has a range of 50 nautical miles (57 miles/92.6km) thanks to state-of-the-art efficient hydrofoiling technology. Eric Laakmann, Vessev CEO, said: “We are in the earliest stage of a global transition to sustainable energy use. Our partnership with NetZero Maritime is one of the most powerful in the world in accelerating the adoption of new technologies. There are 33 million vessels in the world today with sustainable vessels representing the smallest fraction. Through significant enhancements in efficiency, hydrofoiling will play a key role in this once-in-a-generation shift. Vessev’s expert team of marine engineers and boat builders, combined with Fullers360’s NetZero Maritime decarbonization team, has ensured the VS-9 is designed and built to align seamlessly with commercial and tourism transport requirements. “Our partnership integrates New …

The Board of Directors of NEOM announced Jaumur, the largest cosmopolitan luxury community set on the coast of Gulf of Aqaba, designed to serve the highest standards of future livability and active lifestyle. Two distinctive destination hotels within Jaumur offer 350 luxurious rooms and suites, inviting guests to enjoy the breathtaking views and embrace all aspects of modern coastal hospitality and sporting activities.This new addition promises a unique blend of experiences on both land and sea, complementing NEOM’s evolving regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia. Jaumur is an exclusive residential community thoughtfully master planned around an inspiring marina for more than 6,000 residents. Embedded into the varied topography of the Gulf of Aqaba coast, it features 500 marina apartments and nearly 700 luxury villas, boasting waterfront access and private mooring. The marina serves as the focal point of the development, the beating heart around which the vibrant community of Jaumur thrives. A monumental 1.5-kilometer aerofoil rises above the largest of the yacht berths, providing year round protection for yacht owners and a haven for the marina’s residents and guests. The aerofoil incorporates a gravity-defying cantilever to form a stunning entrance to the marina, welcoming the world’s largest superyachts. The sculptural structure is a landmark that serves as the perfect base for all the marina attractions, for committed yachting enthusiasts and adventurers seeking personalized experiences. The marina promenade will be a place alive with entertainment, leisure and cultural experiences, hosting year-round arts events and performance programs, complemented by signature retail stores and world-class dining options. Jaumur’s commitment to innovation and learning is embodied in the development’s state-of-the-art deep-sea research center and top-tier international boarding school. The research institute is dedicated to …

Old Doha Port has forged a strategic partnership and cooperation agreement with Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi. This initiative aims to bolster maritime tourism and excursions through a series of unique offers and benefits under a mutual advantages program for members of both marinas, ensuring an unparalleled experience for yacht owners and maritime enthusiasts. Marina members at Old Doha Port, the region’s latest maritime tourist destination and Qatar’s nautical gateway for visiting yachts and large cruise ships. Together with Yas Marina members, are now entitled to a week of complimentary docking every three months at both marinas, effective as of yesterday. Additionally, they will benefit from a 20% discount at various restaurants and cafes, alongside reductions on hotel accommodations and the Port’s boat repair and maintenance services provided in the container yard. Mr. Mohammad Abdullah Al Mulla, CEO of Old Doha Port, expressed that this collaborative endeavor with Yas Marina aligns perfectly with the strategic vision of Old Doha Port to draw a greater influx of yachts and to spotlight its newly enhanced amenities designed to elevate Qatar’s allure as a prime tourist destination. This partnership is not merely about increasing visitor numbers; it’s about curating an exceptional maritime experience that sets a new standard for yacht owners and marine vessels across the region. The port’s second appearance at the Dubai International Boat Show concluded successfully on Sunday, March 3, witnessing significant interest from the exhibition’s attendees, marking it as one of the standout events in the region. Looking ahead, the port plans to participate in various international exhibitions to further its marketing strategies and initiatives.

Red Sea Global is partnering with Monaco Marina Management to establish RSG’s Amaala Yacht Club as one of the world’s premier yachting destinations. The partnership with M3, privileged partner of “La Belle Classe Destinations”, a certification owned and operated by the world-famous Yacht Club de Monaco, was confirmed in a signing ceremony at the Monaco Yacht Show, hosted at the Saudi Red Sea Authority exhibition stand. Together, they will work to meet the criteria and standards to be certified as ‘La Belle Classe Destinations’ once in operation, a marker of excellence for yacht clubs and marinas around the world. The agreement also covers developing an exceptional event calendar, creating a sailing academy, supporting with training and recruitment, and providing seasonal, reciprocal opportunities for members, cadets and youth. “The Amaala Yacht Club, with its signature architecture inspired by the rock formations that created our Triple Bay millennia ago, will be the stunning centerpiece of our marina development. With M3’s support, our facilities, operations, services and amenities will ensure our Yacht Club honors the striking landscape in which it is set and makes Amaala one of the world’s most distinguished yachting destinations,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. ‘La Belle Classe Destinations’ certification is awarded to yachting destinations that demonstrate a deep understanding of maritime ethics and etiquette, environmental protection, design aesthetics, educational and economic impact. Recipients become part of a global network of excellence, committed to building the future of sailing and yachting while maintaining these essential values. “What excites me most about this partnership is the opportunity for training and knowledge transfer. Empowering Saudi nationals has always been at the center of our regenerative approach, and with …

Gulf Craft is showcasing the new Majesty 111 and Nomad 101 superyachts at the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) 2023, two breathtaking vessels that highlight the celebrated yacht maker’s new vision of the future. Making their global debut at DIBS 2023, the two superyachts epitomise Gulf Craft’s new era of dynamic growth under the strategic theme, ‘Legacy in Motion’, driving the company to push boundaries through four core focus areas:  Technology & Innovation, Path to Sustainability, Global Expansion and Next Generation. Gulf Craft celebrated its 40th anniversary at last year’s Dubai International Boat Show, looking back on four decades of passion, innovation and growth. This year, the boat and yacht manufacturer will build on that rich legacy as it moves towards its future and sets out its commitment and vision for the decades ahead. Meticulous market research and trend forecasting for a broader global market establish the Majesty 111 and Nomad 101 as new leaders in their class. Luxurious interiors and earthy hues set the tone for the onboard experience of the Majesty 111: the cabins flow from one to another, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. Sustainability is also a major theme in the superyacht, with better fuel efficiency,  smart product design and emissions-reducing technologies. Incorporating sustainable materials throughout, the Nomad 101 features powerful engines, which, combined with much better fuel efficiency, unlock more adventurous and far-flung destinations for exploration. A generous amount of glazing maximizes exterior views, while the Portuguese Bridge offers a full walkaround deck. Mohamed Hussein Alshaali, Gulf Craft Chairman, said: “At Gulf Craft, we never shy away from out-of-the-box thinking. This innovative spirit inspired our growth from a builder of small fishing boats to one of …

With its world-class infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities, picturesque coastline, luxury marinas and diverse destination experiences, Dubai has emerged as a leading marine leisure destination, providing residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of sea-based activities and watersports to keep cool, unwind and explore this summer season. As Dubai’s enduring connection to the sea extends to the travel and tourism sector, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism takes a look at some of the city’s maritime and aquatic leisure offerings that people can experience during the summer months in Dubai. Residents and visitors alike can utilise the services of leisure travel companies which operate yacht tours from beautiful marinas in the city including Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Creek Marina Yacht Club, Dubai Harbour and Jaddaf Waterfront Marina. The high number of quality and safety assured yachting companies offer bespoke itineraries, the latest watersport experiences, along with state-of-the-art nautical equipment, for a safe and refreshing day at sea. Guests can enjoy a tailored yachting experience, with a wide variety of dining options provided and a full day of onboard entertainment, all set to the backdrop of the impressive Dubai skyline. Moreover, when embarking on a trip at sea, guests can be selective in their routes and choose from which port to hop onboard. The vast majority of routes offered by these travel firms will include incredible views of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, including the Dubai Marina, the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa, whilst extended itineraries include excursions to The World Islands. Alternatively, if guests wish to enjoy a more extensive experience, yachts are available to hire for longer, extended excursions. Amit Patel, Founder and Managing Director of Xclusive …