Members of the association and cruise executives gathered in the Spanish city of Tarragona in June to discuss how they can join forces to make the industry more diverse and sustainable MedCruise General Assembly attendees pictured after a workshop in which they tried forming their own human towers Each year, Tarragona in Spain hosts a castell competition, where teams with people of all ages and abilities share their collective strength to build the highest human tower. MedCruise president Figen Ayan drew a parallel between the castells and the more than 154 ports and 57 associate members in the MedCruise Association when opening the 64th MedCruise General Assembly in Tarragona, Spain, in June 2024.
The speaker, a renowned expert in the travel and tourism industry, emphasized the importance of these universal values in fostering a thriving and sustainable travel industry. She highlighted the need for collaboration and shared responsibility among all stakeholders in the industry. She further emphasized the need for a more inclusive and equitable travel industry, one that welcomes and celebrates diversity. This is crucial for attracting a wider range of travelers and ensuring a more vibrant and diverse travel experience for all.
Marie-Caroline Laurent, director general of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Europe, supported McCue’s plea for increased diversity and representation. “The success of the cruise industry is definitely thanks to the variety of people,” she said, outlining CLIA’s new initiatives to encourage younger generations to consider maritime careers, which include sharing testimonials from employees across the industry and taking students onboard cruise ships. Ayan joined the panel to reveal that MedCruise has created a dedicated careers page on its website in response to the numerous enquiries from people looking to join the cruise sector. A later presentation by Edgar Weggelaar, partner and CEO of Queer Destinations, outlined how ports and destinations can actively welcome the LGBTQ+ community.
The cruise industry, a major contributor to global tourism, faces significant challenges in ensuring sustainable and harmonious experiences for passengers and the communities they visit. Cruise executives, recognizing these complexities, have initiated discussions on how to enhance the passenger experience and minimize the environmental impact of cruise operations. This session, specifically focused on the relationship between ports and destinations, underscored the importance of prioritizing sustainable practices and alleviating overcrowding.
Luzzari The castell competition involves teams with people of all ages and abilities sharing their collective strength to build the highest human tower Referencing the small anti-cruise protest organised by environmentalists outside the conference venue in Tarragona, Manjencic said it is vital for cruise lines and ports to engage with local communities to alleviate their concerns and “understand what we can do better and what they expect from us”. Both Francesco Rossiello, senior manager of deployment and itinerary planning at Holland America Line, and Giovanna Dipasquale, Ambassador Cruise Line’s head of itinerary management, advocated for cruise lines and ports to join forces to address issues raised by local communities during the ‘Strategies to Integrate Medium Sized Ports into the Cruise Itinerary’ session.
Rossiello and Dipasquale, representatives from the cruise industry, are discussing strategies to address the growing environmental and economic concerns surrounding the industry. They argue that communication and education are crucial to allay these concerns. – Rossiello believes that educating locals about the “significant investments” cruise lines are making to reduce emissions could allay their environmental concerns.
This statement highlights the importance of digital infrastructure and storytelling in the maritime industry. It suggests that smaller ports can leverage these tools to overcome their size disadvantage and attract more visitors and business.
**Expedition Cruises: A Pricey Adventure**
**1. The high cost of expedition cruises:** Expedition cruises are typically more expensive than traditional cruises. This is due to the specialized equipment, experienced crew, and the need to navigate challenging waters.
Ayan further elaborated on the growth of the organization, stating that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been instrumental in facilitating this growth. The IMO has played a crucial role in developing and implementing international maritime regulations, which have been instrumental in promoting safe and efficient shipping. The summary mentions that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been instrumental in facilitating the growth of the organization. This statement requires further elaboration.
Global Ports Holding, a Turkish company, has been operating in the port of Istanbul for over 20 years. They have a strong track record of success in the port sector, with a focus on efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. The expansion of the port of Istanbul is a significant development in the city’s history, marking a turning point in its economic and social development.
Cruise guests looking to explore the modernist architecture of renowned architects such as Antonio Gaudí can take a short trip to the nearby city of Reus to visit the Gaudi Centre or see examples of the buildings he has designed in the streets. Another impressive attraction is Casa Navas (pictured), the only example of a Catalan Modernisme building by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner with its original interiors. Tarragona is one of the biggest wine and vermouth regions in Catalonia, and travellers will find multiple opportunities to sample the produce for themselves with a tasting session at a locally run business, such as Vermouth Padró.
The article explores the growing trend of “green cruising” and its impact on the cruise industry. It examines the various initiatives undertaken by cruise lines to reduce their environmental footprint, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in the future of the industry.
