Abu Dhabi eyes cruise tourism expansion

Abu Dhabi is looking to develop its cruise tourism potential in light of the results of a market study commissioned by the city's tourism authority.

The report concluded that the cruise tourism industry could deliver a "substantial economic impact annually for Abu Dhabi".

The study added that Abu Dhabi stood to benefit from the creation of full-time jobs, hotel room nights from pre ad post-cruise stays, increased business for airlines serving the destination and more land tours, which will also benefit Al Ain and the Al Gharbia western region.

The study, commission by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ABTA) recommended the development of a dedicated cruise terminal and Abu Dhabi's evolution into a fully-fledged home port with the potential to deliver at least 50,000 new visitors to the emirate annually.

ADTA chairman Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan said the authority was now looking to engage key stakeholders including the Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi Terminals and Abu Dhabi Airports Company in the development of a sustainable cruise tourism development blueprint.

He added: "There are substantial gains to be accrued from the evolution of Abu Dhabi from its existing 'port of call' to 'home port' status.

"There has been heightened interest among major cruise lines with respect to Abu Dhabi's cruise development as evidenced by an all-time high of about 150 ships calling at Mina Zayed this current cruise season."