By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
Hosted by Ege Ports Kuşadası, Turkey and Global Ports Holding, attendees at the 54th MedCruise General Assembly explored the latest trends driving cruise industry growth in the Mediterranean region.
The event, which took place on 7-10 May, featured various sessions where over 140 delegates from relevant bodies, the board of directors and the association’s four Working Groups explored sustainable development of the industry. They also discussed promotional activities for North Africa and the Black Sea and ideas for further cooperation between ports and destinations and with other associations.
“Ege Port Kuşadası is proud to have hosted this key event and having had the opportunity of welcoming the Association to Kuşadası as the region regains its popularity,” said Aziz Gungor, general manager of Ege Port Kuaşdası and Bodrum Cruise Port. “It has been a fruitful event, bringing together key industry stakeholders to discuss the cruise industry in the region. This event has allowed us to proudly showcase our destination…to our esteemed guests.”
Attendees enjoyed a busy four-day schedule, which included a gala dinner at the Celsus Library in Ephesus, a farewell meal at the castle in Pigeon Island and a choice of three shore excursions covering various attractions in Kuşadası, such as Şirince Village, Priene and the Cave of Zeus.
"We are honoured to be hosted by our beloved members Ege Port Kuşadası and Global Ports Holding,” said Airam Diaz, president of Medcruise Association. “Our prestigious association, as a key member of the industry, is committed to the new opportunities and challenges that are to come. MedCruise members, which handled more than 28 million cruise passenger movements in 2018 for first time in our association’s history, are contributing to the sustainable growth of the cruise industry during this bright period.”
The 55th General Assembly will take place in Antibes, France next October.