Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to analyse the emergence of cruise tourism in the Middle East and the position of the region in relation to other cruise destinations. The chapter focuses on the strategies and factors behind the growth of this sector of tourism but also looks at various impediments to its development. Second, this chapter examines the geographical areas within the Middle East and assesses their specific patterns and reasons behind the growth of the cruise industry. The research is based on literature review, amongst others, published and unpublished sources including website content, newspapers, journal articles and academic books, and guidebooks.