Latest news with #TurkyKari
Arabian Business
28-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
EXCLUSIVE: AROYA Cruises hosts over 92,000 passengers in first 4 months of operations
Saudi Arabia's AROYA Cruises has welcomed more than 92,250 passengers since launching operations in December 2024, with 38,000 visitors during Ramadan alone, the company's official spokesperson told Arabian Business on Monday. Speaking at Arabian Travel Market 2025, Turky Kari, AROYA's Executive Director of Marketing, revealed strong demand for the first Arabian cruise line, which positions itself as offering a 'remarkably Arabian experience' whilst maintaining global standards. AROYA Cruises soars successfully 'It was a very exciting journey for the last four months. We started December 16 in the Red Sea with very good occupancy trip by trip,' Kari said. 'We're hosting a lot of new guests, new cruisers in the Red Sea, majority from Saudi but we expanded beyond Saudi citizens between GCC, Arab countries and a lot of international travellers.' The company introduced a special concept during the holy month called 'Ramadan Along the Horizon,' which proved particularly successful. The vessel was anchored in front of Jeddah Yacht Club, offering Iftar and Suhoor meals alongside Ramadan-themed activities and overnight stay options, attracting 38,000 visitors. AROYA currently operates two primary itineraries from Jeddah – a three-night weekend trip from Thursday to Sunday and a four-night weekday cruise from Sunday to Thursday. Both itineraries include visits to Saba Beach on the private island of Jabal Al-Sabaya, with weekday cruises also travelling to destinations including Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, Aqaba in Jordan, and Safaga, which serves as a gateway to Cairo. The cruise line will host the first International Floating Franchise Exhibition from May 5-8, organised by the National Franchise Committee of the Federation of Saudi Chambers. The event will bring together Saudi brands with international investors in a unique maritime setting. The cruise line has attracted a diverse passenger mix, with Kari noting significant numbers from GCC countries alongside unexpected interest from Russian and Uzbekistani tourists, as well as Europeans, particularly Germans and Italians. Beginning June 12, AROYA will reposition its vessel for Mediterranean operations with a nine-night journey from Jeddah to Istanbul through the Suez Canal. From June 21, the company will launch seven-night Mediterranean itineraries visiting destinations in Turkey and Greece including Bodrum, Kaş, Kuşadası, Mykonos, Athens and Rhodes. Cruise prices start from SAR 999 (approximately $266) per person for a three-night all-inclusive weekend trip, with premium 'Khuzama' experiences available that include dedicated restaurants, lounges, butlers and concierge services. The 1,600-cabin vessel features numerous amenities including 12 restaurants, 17 lounges and cafes, a theatre, spa, zip line, water slides and extensive children's facilities.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia will feature 16% more exhibitors at ATM
Saudi Arabia's travel and tourism sector has seen a 9.5 per cent increase in international visitors in 2024, marking a significant growth. The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will showcase the country's latest tourism milestones, new projects, and vision to become a premier destination. ATM 2025 will feature several prominent exhibitors from the Kingdom. In addition to the Saudi Tourism Authority, returning exhibitors include SAUDIA, flynas, Qiddiya Investment Company, Sixth Gulf Travel Company, Taiba Investment, Makkah Clock Royal Tower, Fairmont Hotel, Cruise Saudi, and L'azure Hospitality. First-time exhibitors this year include flyadeal, Riyadh Air, Diriyah Company, Aseer, BAAN Holding Group, Makkah Hotel & Towers, Alhussam Tourism, and StayKSA. These exhibitors, along with many others, will be highlighted in a dedicated Saudi Land hall, an expanded version of last year's ATM Saudi Village, which will be representative of the Saudi Arabian culture, heritage and tourism, while reflecting the upward trajectory of the Kingdom's travel industry, which has seen Saudi Arabian exhibitor presence increase by 16% this year. Recent research conducted by VIDEC highlights Saudi Arabia's status as the largest and fastest-growing economy within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. In 2023, Saudi Arabia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached an impressive $1.1 trillion, with a per capita GDP of $32,500. The non-oil sector contributed significantly to the GDP, reaching 63 per cent in 2021, indicating a strategic diversification of the economy away from oil revenues. Inbound leisure tourists in 2023 increased from 1.12 million in 2019 to 6.2 million, while domestic travel grew from 48 million to 78 million. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'Saudi Tourism Authority's unwavering commitment to the event highlights the Kingdom's rapid progress in establishing itself as a world-class tourism hub and reflects the broader momentum of investment, innovation and ambition that is driving the region's travel sector forward. This year, ATM 2025 will have one of the strongest Saudi presences to date, with leading airlines, hospitality brands and cruise representation taking centre stage.' VIDEC estimates that Saudi Arabia's Total Air Market (TAM) will grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.2 per cent, reaching $11.3 billion by 2028. With 40,000 hotels under development and 320,000 rooms, the Kingdom's hotel market is set to accelerate further. The ATM Conference Programme will explore Saudi Arabia's growing importance in the global travel industry, featuring 68 sessions led by 185 high-profile speakers. On 28 April, Turky Kari, Executive Director of Marketing, AROYA Cruises, will join a distinguished panel on the Global Stage to discuss the Considerations and Implications of Involving Communities in Destination Revitalisation. ATM 2025 is expected to welcome 55,000 attendees and serve as a platform to showcase over 2,800 exhibitors from more than 161 global destinations. The event will centre on the transformative power of connectivity as part of the theme "Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity." Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
10-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Saudi Arabia will feature 16pc more exhibitors at ATM
Saudi Arabia's travel and tourism sector has seen a 9.5 per cent increase in international visitors in 2024, marking a significant growth. The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will showcase the country's latest tourism milestones, new projects, and vision to become a premier destination. ATM 2025 will feature several prominent exhibitors from the Kingdom. In addition to the Saudi Tourism Authority, returning exhibitors include SAUDIA, flynas, Qiddiya Investment Company, Sixth Gulf Travel Company, Taiba Investment, Makkah Clock Royal Tower, Fairmont Hotel, Cruise Saudi, and L'azure Hospitality. First-time exhibitors this year include flyadeal, Riyadh Air, Diriyah Company, Aseer, BAAN Holding Group, Makkah Hotel & Towers, Alhussam Tourism, and StayKSA. These exhibitors, along with many others, will be highlighted in a dedicated Saudi Land hall, an expanded version of last year's ATM Saudi Village, which will be representative of the Saudi Arabian culture, heritage and tourism, while reflecting the upward trajectory of the Kingdom's travel industry, which has seen Saudi Arabian exhibitor presence increase by 16% this year. Recent research conducted by VIDEC highlights Saudi Arabia's status as the largest and fastest-growing economy within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. In 2023, Saudi Arabia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached an impressive $1.1 trillion, with a per capita GDP of $32,500. The non-oil sector contributed significantly to the GDP, reaching 63 per cent in 2021, indicating a strategic diversification of the economy away from oil revenues. Inbound leisure tourists in 2023 increased from 1.12 million in 2019 to 6.2 million, while domestic travel grew from 48 million to 78 million. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'Saudi Tourism Authority's unwavering commitment to the event highlights the Kingdom's rapid progress in establishing itself as a world-class tourism hub and reflects the broader momentum of investment, innovation and ambition that is driving the region's travel sector forward. This year, ATM 2025 will have one of the strongest Saudi presences to date, with leading airlines, hospitality brands and cruise representation taking centre stage.' VIDEC estimates that Saudi Arabia's Total Air Market (TAM) will grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.2 per cent, reaching $11.3 billion by 2028. With 40,000 hotels under development and 320,000 rooms, the Kingdom's hotel market is set to accelerate further. The ATM Conference Programme will explore Saudi Arabia's growing importance in the global travel industry, featuring 68 sessions led by 185 high-profile speakers. On 28 April, Turky Kari, Executive Director of Marketing, AROYA Cruises, will join a distinguished panel on the Global Stage to discuss the Considerations and Implications of Involving Communities in Destination Revitalisation. ATM 2025 is expected to welcome 55,000 attendees and serve as a platform to showcase over 2,800 exhibitors from more than 161 global destinations.
