Haifa Port, Israel’s leading seaport, has contracted with Miami-based Access Cruise Inc. to provide sales and marketing representation to the cruise industry. Access Cruise is working with the port to develop a comprehensive plan to develop its cruise business.
As part of its marketing strategy, Haifa Port representatives are attending the 2016 Seatrade Convention as first-time delegates, joined by the Director of Marketing of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism in North America.
“Haifa is committed to driving cruise business to Israel,” said Shannon McKee, president of Access Cruise Inc. “Given the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East, port officials realize that they need to take a long-term, regional approach to bringing cruise ships back to Haifa.”
“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 fulfill their dream. Together with Shannon and the Access Cruise team I am certain we can grow the cruise business to Haifa Port.”
Haifa Port is Israel’s largest seaport, located on a natural protected bay and offering docking facilities for large passenger liners. The port is operated by government-owned Haifa Port Company and at the peak of its cruise operations handled more than 300,000 passengers per year.
The Israeli port has been a popular destination for European cruise lines such as MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises, which featured regular service to ports in Israel, Egypt and the Red Sea. Premium lines like Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises made regular calls at Haifa on world cruises and extended Europe itineraries.
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.
Haifa Port’s expanded passenger terminal can efficiently process passengers from multiple ships. Terminal improvements include a comfortable waiting area and a concourse with a duty-free store, souvenir shop, café, VAT reimbursement counter and currency exchange, Israel Ministry of Interior services, and other travel-related services.
In addition to its world-class beaches and local cultural and historical attractions, Haifa is considered the gateway to many of the region’s important biblical and religious sites.
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About Access Cruise Inc.
Access Cruise Inc. provides professional sales services dedicated to identifying its clients’ specific objectives and creating and executing a customized strategy to achieve them. Access Cruise Inc. represents a unique array of products and services including shore excursions and destination services as well as onboard technologies, product solutions and on-board revenue.