Cruise lines, ports and tourism authorities discussed LNG, berthing policies and development plans
By
Elizabeth Robinson |
Representatives from Mediterranean ports, tourism authorities, cruise lines and media gathered in Valletta, Malta for the 52nd MedCruise General Assembly from 23-26 May 2018.
Delegates discussed the latest trends in the cruise industry and developed plans that will help to create sustainable cruise services in the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas.
“Our prestigious association, as a key member of the industry, is committed to the new opportunities and challenges that are to come,” said Airam Díaz Pastor, president of MedCruise during the opening ceremony. “We hope to contribute during a golden age of our industry that brings more capacity, requires new investments and needs the collaboration between the stakeholders – ports, terminal operators, municipalities and cruise lines.”
The event featured interactive sessions that gave MedCruise members and cruise line executives the opportunity to discuss in detail the European Union’s Schengen procedures, future developments in the cruise market and infrastructure investments for cruise terminals in MedCruise regions.
The ‘LNG and new regulations’ session focused on how ports can develop their infrastructure to provide LNG bunkering services to cruise ships. There was also a shipbuilding and port development session where delegates discussed berthing policies and port facilities.
Sessions took place at Valletta Cruise Port, which was a founding member of MedCruise in 1996.
“Valletta Cruise Port is proud to have hosted this key event and having had the opportunity to welcome the association back to its roots,” said Stephen Xuereb, CEO of Valletta Cruise Port and COO of Global Ports Holdings. “As a founding member of MedCruise, it gives us great pleasure to have witnessed the growth of the association since its inception to the great family it is today. It has been indeed a fruitful event, bringing together key industry stakeholders to discuss the cruise industry in the Mediterranean. This event has allowed us to proudly showcase our historic port and Malta to our esteemed guests, in a year in which Valletta is being celebrated as the European Capital of Culture 2018.”
Seven new members were also officially welcomed to MedCruise during the event, including three port members – Canarian Ports, Catania and Tangier - and four associate members – Algeria Cruise Services, Kuoni Destination Management, Tenerife Tourism Board and Trainose.
The 53rd General Assembly will take place in Lisbon, Portugal during Seatrade Cruise Med 2018.