MSC Cruises designates United Tours and Cruise as exclusive GSA in Qatar

MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise brand and the leader in Europe, South America, the Middle East and Southern Africa, has announced the appointment of United Tours and Cruise, a subsidiary of Qatari Investors Group Marine Services (QIG Marine Services), the marine arm of Qatari Investors Group (QIG), as its exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA) in Qatar.
Details of the new agreement were given onboard 'MSC World Europa' during an event hosted by MSC Cruises at Old Doha Port on Thursday, which was attended by the QIG CEO and stakeholders from the travel sector in the country. United Tours and Cruise, the newly appointed GSA, 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.
QIG CEO Joseph Abdo said: “We are delighted to announce this appointment as exclusive GSA for MSC Cruises in Qatar which further strengthens our strategic partnership with 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 in the tourism sector as part of its strategy to position Qatar as a leading tourism destination and raising the tourism sector's contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) to 12% by 2030.
“We are very pleased to be working with MSC Cruises and we are looking forward to a close and successful collaboration."
MSC Cruises executive director Angelo Capurro said, “Winter cruises in the Middle East are growing in popularity with our guests coming 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 develop 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 groundbreaking design and breakthrough technology which 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.
This unique cruise ship features a ground-breaking design, where every detail is conceived to offer a taste of the future of cruising. Offering the extraordinary sea view from the striking futuristic 'Y' shape aft structure and even more balcony cabins than ever. It is a future class of emotions, for a ship never seen before.
The ship features six stunning pools and 14 whirlpool baths and an extensive range of accommodation with 19 different cabin categories.
'MSC World Europa' has sailed since December 2022 from Doha and will operate in the Arabian Gulf until April 2023 with four-night and seven-night itineraries to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island and Dammam. Guests looking for an awe-inspiring five-star hospitality experience, elegant accommodation, sightseeing discoveries and exploration adventures can contact our customer service team at [email protected]