Saudi Red Sea Authority Issues First Cruise Ship License To Boost Maritime Tourism

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has issued its first maritime tourism license for cruise ships to "Cruise Saudi," a business owned by the Public Investment Fund and based in Jeddah, KSA. This significant step was marked by SRSA vice president of coastal tourism operations Eng. Mohammed Bukhari, who presented the license to Cruise Saudi's chief destination experiences officer Barbara Buczek at the company's headquarters in Jeddah.

This licensing marks a pivotal moment in the development of Saudi Arabia's coastal tourism sector. It aligns with SRSA’s roles in enabling and regulating coastal tourism activities within the Kingdom's geographical scope. The licensing and permitting process aims to encourage practitioners and investors in the coastal tourism sector, fostering a regulated environment for sustainable growth.

Maritime tourism agents, such as Cruise Saudi, will provide services for marine watercraft, including yachts and cruise ships. These agents are tasked with ensuring safe and sustainable marine navigational tourism activities. SRSA will oversee that licensed maritime tourism agents facilitate marine watercraft movements within Saudi waters while adhering to best sustainable standards and practices.

SRSA's Establishment and Objectives

The SRSA was established by a Cabinet decision in November 2021. Its primary objective is to enhance integration between relevant entities by issuing licenses and permits, developing necessary policies and strategies, determining infrastructure requirements, preserving the marine environment, enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and promoting navigational and marine tourism activities.

Impact on National Economy

The initiatives undertaken by SRSA are expected to add significant value to the national economy. By promoting sustainable marine tourism and supporting SMEs, SRSA aims to create a thriving coastal tourism sector that contributes positively to Saudi Arabia's economic landscape.

For more information about SRSA, please visit www.redsea.gov.sa.

With inputs from SPA