By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cooperation between ports, cruise associations and tourist destinations is key to sustain the growth of the cruise industry across Europe, says the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Europe.
Speaking in Barcelona at the opening session of Seatrade Med, Pierfrancesco Vago, CLIA Europe’s Chairman, highlighted that there are a number of key areas where cruise lines, ports and destinations must work together.
“Cooperation with port associations is key for the entire sector and we appeal to our friends in the port communities to join us in this endeavour,” said Vago. “As an industry, we are committed to working with our partners and stakeholders to create operating environments that keep our business on the up-and-up, broaden the appeal of cruising to even more passengers, and develop itineraries that open up even more destinations.”
Vago also spoke about recent criticism over cruise ship visits to delicate environments. “We need to address the question of cruise ships calling at historical sites, Venice being the obvious example,” Vago said. “We fully support the need to protect destinations, and want to put cruising at the forefront of sustainable tourism. As an industry we must engage with local authorities and stakeholders, with support from ports and port associations, to find viable, sustainable solutions to the problems that may arise in these environments.”
In addition, Vago explained that it is also important for Mediterranean ports to enhance their infrastructure and cruise facilities to meet current and future growth. “Some Mediterranean port facilities are not keeping up with our industry’s growth, and urgent upgrades are needed,” said Vago. “Again, the solution lies in working more closely with the ports and destinations. CLIA Europe is committed to engaging with different stakeholders to guarantee that ports, destinations and the cruise industry maximise growth opportunities together.”