CRUISE SAUDI APPOINTS LOTUS TO MANAGE GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY

London, March 2023: Cruise Saudi has appointed award-winning specialist travel PR and marketing agency LOTUS to manage their global communications strategy. With a focus on the priority markets of KSA, GCC, Europe, UK and the USA, the appointment comes at a critical time as Cruise Saudi embarks upon a new phase of development in connecting international travelers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Following a competitive global brief, LOTUS will oversee international media outreach and global trade fair management to support the rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia’s cruise industry. In line with Vision 2030, and the diversification of the Kingdom’s tourism offering, the strategy will work alongside the synergies built with global cruise operators and the development of the cruise offering along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coastlines.  

With an immediate start, the appointment is announced ahead of Seatrade Cruise Global, a pinnacle annual event for Cruise Saudi to connect with cruise and trade media, and to update the global cruise industry on the development of Saudi Arabia’s cruising infrastructure, port services and global cruise partnerships.  

Lars Manuel Clasen, Chief Executive Officer at Cruise Saudi, said: ‘Cruise Saudi is truly connecting Saudi to the rest of the world, showcasing the importance of the cruise industry as a way of discovering the culturally rich and visually beautiful country. With two highly successful seasons already completed, our partnership with LOTUS has come at a pivotal phase as we look ahead to welcome 1.3 million cruise passenger visits by 2035 and to position Saudi as a top cruising destination on the global stage.’  

Jules Ugo, Chief Executive Officer at LOTUS, added: “We are so proud to announce that we have been appointed by Cruise Saudi to lead on their communications strategy. The rapid development of the Kingdom’s cruise industry is astounding, and we look forward to actively contributing and supporting during this incredible period of expansion.”  

Cruise Saudi’s mission is to support the diversification of the Saudi economy and growth of the tourism sector. By becoming the bridge between land and sea, and as the architect and driver of the cruise industry in the destination, Cruise Saudi will showcase Saudi culture, heritage and natural wonders via partnerships with global cruise operators while providing best-in-class services, and a focus on innovation and sustainability.  

Notes to Editors: 

Cruise Saudi 

As a conduit between land and sea, Cruise Saudi is a strategic facilitator and a trusted partner to international and local entities that oversees the development of services and infrastructure, including state-of-the-art cruise terminals, training of ground services, and creation of shore excursions, that will transform the country’s coastlines into a premier global cruise destination. Cruise Saudi aspires to provide a seamless, comfortable, and memorable journey for guests, from arrival to departure.  

Cruise Saudi was officially launched in 2021 to develop the infrastructure and services required to scale a full-suite cruise market in Saudi Arabia. The company is responsible for the port development and operation at key Saudi destinations as well as scaling cruise services, from marketing to Shorex coordination and vessel operations. Cruise Saudi is a 100% Public Investment Fund-owned business based in Jeddah and works hand in hand with ministries and regulatory authorities to build the offshore and onshore cruise ecosystem with the aim of positioning Saudi as a premier global cruise destination. Cruise Saudi has completed two successful seasons thus far, welcoming 50,000+ passengers and five major international cruise lines. Cruise Saudi aims to develop further ports around the country, opening more destinations in Saudi to cruise tourism, with plans to welcome 1.3 million cruise passenger visits by 2035. Cruise Saudi is operating within the wider context of Saudi’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy and develop new revenue-generating industries such as tourism to provide opportunities for generations to come.  

Cruise Saudi welcomes cruise lines from around the globe to include Saudi as a port of call on their itineraries and add exciting new destinations across Saudi that boast rich cultural heritage, history, and natural wonders. Saudi is home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites which have rarely or never been seen by international tourists and none of which have ever been featured on cruise itineraries before – and three of these are now accessible by sea: AlAhsa Oasis, Hegra Archaeological site in AlUla, and Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah. 

 ENDS

For more information on Cruise Saudi and strategic partners, please contact: cruisesaudi@wearelotus.co.uk