MSC Cruises, an Italian global cruise line and the world’s third-largest cruise brand with operations in Europe, South America, the Middle East and Southern Africa, has appointed United Tours and Cruise, a subsidiary of Qatari Investors Group Marine Services (QIG Marine Services), as its exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA) in Qatar.
As part of the agreement United Tours and Cruise, will facilitate the cruise booking process for citizens and residents of Qatar, providing guests and the travel agency community with information and assistance during the pre-and post-booking process.
Joseph Abdo CEO – QIG
“We are delighted to announce this appointment as exclusive GSA for MSC Cruises in Qatar which further strengthens our strategic partnership with the MSC Group. United Shipping Agency, the port agency division of QIG Marine Services, is the appointed vessel agent of MSC Cruises in Qatar and adding the GSA to the scope of our services complements our cruise-related service portfolio.”
“This appointment will also accelerate further growth of the cruise industry in Qatar. As the country places great importance on the tourism sector as part of its strategy to position Qatar as a leading tourism destination and raise the tourism sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) to 12 percent by 2030. We are very pleased to be working with MSC Cruises and we are looking forward to a close and successful collaboration,” Mr. Abdo said.
MSC Cruises Executive Director Mr. Angelo Capurro said that “Winter cruises in the Middle East are growing in popularity with our guests from all over the world and the region is a very important aspect of our growing business. Such significance was recently reflected at the end of 2022 when Doha was chosen as the city to host the official naming ceremony of our largest ship to join our fleet, MSC World Europa. We are looking forward to developing further in Qatar and I am confident that United Tours and Cruises as our local agents will be the right partners for us to succeed with our ambition.”
This winter season, guests from Qatar can enjoy an unforgettable cruise aboard MSC World Europa. This new ship, which came into service in November 2022 to serve as a floating hotel berthed at Doha Port for an entire month, has a groundbreaking design and breakthrough technology that sets new standards in the cruise industry.
It is MSC Cruises’ most sustainable and futuristic cruise ship, powered by cleaner fuel, and with green technology integrated throughout the ship. This next-generation vessel reduces emissions and marks a milestone in MSC Cruises’ journey to zero-emission operations.
