Plans to offer special incentives and benefits for lines calling at Israel's largest port
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Haifa Port in Israel has teamed up with Miami US-based Access Cruise to develop a long-term plan to attract more cruise lines.
Representatives from Haifa Port, Haifa Municipality, Access Cruise and the director of marketing of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism met with executives from all the major North American cruise lines to discuss plans at the 2016 Seatrade Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida this March.
As part of the long-term plan, Haifa will offer benefits and incentives for visiting cruise lines, especially for lines that schedule multiple or overnight calls at the port.
“We know it's a dream for millions of people around the world to get a taste of the Holy Land,” said Zohar Rom, director of marketing and spokesperson of Haifa Port. “Our mission is to give the cruise industry great opportunities to fulfil their dream. Together with the Access Cruise team I am certain we can grow the cruise business to Haifa Port.”
”Haifa is committed to driving cruise business to Israel,” said Shannon McKee, president of Access Cruise. “Given the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East, port officials realise that they need to take a long-term, regional approach to bringing cruise ships back to Haifa.”
Located in a natural protected bay, Haifa Port is Israel's largest seaport and is operated by government-owned Haifa Port Company.
Popular with European cruise lines, such as MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises, the port also attracts regular calls from Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises as part of their respective world cruises and extended European itineraries. At the peak of its cruise operations, Haifa handled more than 300,000 passengers per year.
Haifa's cruise facilities include a recently expanded modern passenger terminal and a quay that can accommodate three large cruise ships simultaneously. A finger pier was added recently to accommodate two more passenger ships.
Recent terminal enhancements include a waiting area and a concourse with a duty-free store, souvenir shop, café, a VAT reimbursement and currency exchange counter, Israel Ministry of Interior services, and other travel-related services.
beaches and local cultural and historical attractions, Haifa is considered the gateway to many of the region's important biblical and religious sites.