By
Alex Smith |
Cruise association MedCruise has stated its support for its port and associate members in their response to the outbreak of COVID-19, as well as for the cruise industry as a whole.
“I would hereby like to express my support to all the countries and regions being affected and also to transmit a message of calm. Right now, it is time to assist your clients, support them and try to find solutions to their challenges,” said Airam Díaz Pastor, president of MedCruise. “This situation will have a big economic impact in our companies as well as in our communities. However, I am pretty sure that with our work and commitment, we will get over this challenging, but also temporary, period. We need also to encourage our companies and societies to help in mitigating this slow down on the cruise industry. I believe this will make us even stronger and we will learn from this situation”
MedCruise is comprised of 73 port members representing more than 135 ports around the Mediterranean, along with 33 associate members. The association has recommended that its members follow the preventive measures taken by the World Health Organisation (WHO), governments, national health institutions and centres for diseases and prevention.
Cruise lines have been forced to halt their operations following the outbreak of Covid-19, which was designated as a pandemic by WHO on 12 March.