By
Alex Smith |
Seatrade Cruise Med has announced panellists for its 2022 State of the Mediterranean Cruise Industry Keynote, who will address the event’s overarching theme, ‘Steering Change Together’.
Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chaiman of MSC Group’s cruise division and global chairman of Cruise Lines International Association, will begin the session with a special address, followed by remarks by executives from Seatrade Cruise, MedCruise and the host destination, Málaga.
Moderated by Mary Bond, group director of Seatrade Cruise, the panel will comprise of Figen Ayan, president of MedCruise; Marie-Caroline Laurent, director general of CLIA Europe; Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises; and Mario Zanetti, president of Costa Cruises.
“As we celebrate the long-awaited return of Seatrade Cruise Med, it’s even more exciting to welcome our attendees with an incredibly strong panel of industry experts to weigh in on current insights and trends emerging in the Mediterranean,” said Chiara Giorgi, global brand and event director for Seatrade Cruise. “This thought-provoking discussion will set the stage for our engaging conference programme, exploring how the industry can work together to spark change and navigate towards a stronger future for cruise.”
The panel will explore the return of cruising in the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas. Panellists will discuss the Mediterannean’s position as the world’s second largest cruise destination and the reasons behind deployment decisions in the region. The dialogue will also cover the cruise industry’s commitment to a carbon zero future, its work for introducing responsible tourism practices, and commitments to delivering a excellent passenger experience.
“CLIA is proud of our cruise line members and their pioneering efforts across the Mediterranean and the world,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA. “We are delighted to partner with Seatrade Cruise Med to host the State of the Mediterranean Cruise Industry panel featuring our world-renowned brands and industry visionaries and welcome the opportunity to share ideas and collaborate with one another and the wider cruise community as we plot the course toward a better future for cruise."
The conference is taking place at the Trade Fairs and Congress Center of Málaga between 14-15 September 2022. The State of the Mediterranean Cruise Industry Keynote will take place from 10:00 am – 11:30 am local time on the first day of the conference.