Aspire parent unveils new event to drive cruise growth in Gulf region

Aspire’s parent company Jacobs Media has unveiled a new event designed to bring together leaders of the global cruise industry in the Gulf region.

Connections Cruise Arabia will be held in March 2026 and will bring together more than 300 senior leaders and influencers from across the global cruise and travel industry.

The two-day event has been designed as an annual forum and will feature pre-scheduled business meetings, insightful thought leadership content and a New to Cruise training platform.

Interactive panels and keynote sessions will address topics such as infrastructure, sustainability, regional development and the economic impact of cruise tourism, while one-to-one meetings will help facilitate business opportunities.

Content and networking sessions will be bolstered by a dedicated New to Cruise training platform, which will educate the global industry on the cruise sector and grow trade readiness.

A statement from Jacobs Media said Connections Cruise Arabia would “explore both inbound and outbound cruise opportunities, showcasing the region’s potential for cruise lines, ports, DMCs, investors and government bodies”, and foster “collaboration, innovation and investment across the full cruise value chain”.

The event will be powered by Aspire’s sister brand Connections, an international private community that brings together travel agents and suppliers at international events throughout the year.  

Clive Jacobs, chairman and founder of Jacobs Media, said: “Connections Cruise Arabia is a powerful extension of the Connections portfolio, which has driven progress in the travel industry over the last 10 years through the ‘Connections Way’ – a pioneering event format of forging meaningful business relationships through shared experiences.

“There has been significant investment in the region as a future hub for the burgeoning global cruise industry, and we are delighted to support and drive these ambitious plans. Connections Cruise Arabia will be more than an annual event; it will serve as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration and leadership for the cruise sector in the Gulf and beyond.”

Cruise passenger numbers are forecast to exceed 35 million in 2026, overtaking pre-pandemic levels.