Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, announced that the Suez Canal witnessed the transit of the cruise ship Crystal Serenity today, Thursday, May 7th, 2026. The ship is hosting the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Leaders Journey 2026 in Egypt, underscoring the vital role the Canal plays in the routes of global mega cruise liners.
The WTTC Global Leaders Journey in Egypt is held under the theme "Recovery, Leadership, and the Horizons of Transformation in Travel & Tourism Over the Next Decade." This prominent international event brings together Mr. Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Chairman of the WTTC, and an elite group of global tourism and travel industry leaders, including ministers, prominent decision-makers, and company heads, alongside leaders from Egypt’s public and private tourism sectors.
Commenting on this significant event, Admiral Ossama Rabiee expressed his pride in the selection of the Suez Canal as a key stop on the WTTC Global Leaders Journey in Egypt. This choice underscores the growing importance of the Canal in supporting global travel and tourism, in addition to its primary role in bolstering the international trade community and ensuring the smoothness of global supply chains.
The SCA Chairman emphasized that hosting this summit at the Suez Canal underscores the growing confidence in the Canal’s ability and preparedness to welcome all types of cruise ships. This confidence is reinforced by the Authority’s intensified efforts in recent years to introduce a range of new services tailored to meet the diverse needs of transiting vessels.
These initiatives are further supported by continuous waterway development projects and the adoption of flexible marketing strategies aimed at attracting passenger cruise ships to transit the Canal and call at the Egyptian ports.
Admiral Rabiee highlighted that the Suez Canal has made substantial progress in developing its tourism-focused assets to solidify its role as a central hub for maritime tourism and logistics. The Authority has completed the modernization of the Suez Canal Yacht Marina in Ismailia, transforming it into Egypt’s first sustainable model marina for yacht tourism, fully aligned with environmental standards as part of the Authority’s green transformation strategy. He further noted that the Canal zone has a number of historic sites listed among Egypt’s tourist destinations.
For his part, Mr. Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Chairman of the WTTC, emphasized that Egypt stands as a premier global tourism destination, renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage, tourist landmarks, and hospitable people. He extended a heartfelt invitation to visit the country.
WTTC Chairman expressed his profound honor in meeting President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, lauding his ambitious strategic vision, which has successfully realized numerous objectives, particularly in infrastructure development. He also expressed his deep admiration for the Suez Canal, which fueled his enthusiasm for hosting the summit aboard a cruise ship transiting the Canal. This decision highlights the Canal’s critical role as a global maritime artery linking Europe and Asia, as well as its distinction as a work of engineering genius.
Captain Birger J. Vorland, Master of the Crystal Serenity, emphasized that the Suez Canal Authority spares no effort in enhancing transit services for passing vessels and ensuring safe passage through the deployment of highly skilled and experienced pilots whose main goal is the safe transit of all vessels. He conveyed his appreciation for the Authority’s waterway development efforts to widen the Canal, expand the dual navigation zones, and streamline the passage of mega vessels.
In accordance with the Authority's established protocol, H.E. Admiral Ossama Rabiee assigned a number of senior pilots to board and pilot the vessel. He also delegated Mr. George Safwat, Official Spokesperson of the Suez Canal Authority, to deliver a presentation during the Summit's sessions on the Authority's efforts in support of tourism, as well as to welcome the WTTC CEO and present commemorative gifts.
The cruise ship Crystal Serenity operates under Crystal Cruises (A&K) and measures 250 meters in length and 34 meters in beam, sailing under the flag of the Bahamas.
Robban Assafina is now on WhatsApp channel. Click Here
.jpg&w=256&q=75)
