By
Rebecca Gibson |
MedCruise, which represents cruise ports in the Mediterranean and adjoining seas, has appointed Thanos Pallis as its new secretary general,while Maria de Larratea will act as deputy secretary general. Together, Pallis and Larratea will lead the association into a new phase, allowing it to better serve cruise ports and associate members.
Pallis has worked in the port sector for two decades, contributing to OECD, UNCTAD, European Commission, IAPH, AIVP, and ESPO discussions on ports. He served as general secretary for ports and port policy at the ministry of development, competitiveness and shipping in Greece and is the co-director of the PortEconomics.eu web initiative.
“The experience and involvement of our new secretary general in port associations and intergovernmental organisations, as well as his record on port policy, management and economics issues in Europe and beyond, will provide additional expertise,” said Stavros Hatzakos, MedCruise president. “The restructuring results in a winning team that will further the excellent present work of the MedCruise Secretariat and enable the association to provide further benefits for all its members.”
MedCruise, which was set up in 1996, has more than 100 member cruise ports in the Mediterranean region, the Black Sea, the Red Sea and the Near Atlantic. It also has 30 associate members, representing relevant associations, tourist boards and ship or port agents.