2 0 1 on immersive and memorable -ology, -onomy and -ography experiences (for example, ecology, gastronomy and oceanography). Cruise destinations must deliver these within their shore excursion programmes to really thrive in the future. There was standing room only for the sustainability discussion, a topic that will dominate industry conferences for many years. The session acknowledged each of the three standard sustainability pillars but naturally focused on the environment. Natural resource protection, pollution prevention, harbour biodiversity and waste management were the recommended environmental stewardship priorities for ports. And the conversation inevitably featured congestion and shore excursions. Adam Sharp, director of international destination development at Royal Caribbean Group, described the dynamic shift in the ‘Game of Ports,’ playing on the Game of Thrones location. The industry has moved on from a few congested ports to running a race for berthing space and he can foresee a future saturated market where berths are tradeable assets. Fortuitously, the industry is ahead of the curve in the design and delivery of sustainable shore excursions. Many cruise destinations already have mature ecotour programmes, having anticipated the rise in their popularity. Further investment and innovation in this field will pay off in the short term. Port of Ancona, one of the five ports in the Central Adriatic Ports Authority in Italy, is continuing to pursue a €22 million $22.4 million terminal development project, expected to take three years to build after the necessary authorisation process is completed. Sustainability remains a key issue, but the local community appears to be reassured by the cruise industry’s focus on lowering emissions. A €15 million $15.3 million electrification project was approved in 2021 for ferry traffic which may also prove to be suitable for use by visiting cruise ships. Port of Bari, one of the five Southern Adriatic ports, is planning for the construction of a new €9 million $9.17 million passenger terminal on quay 10, with works ideally starting in late 2022 after the summer season concludes. It is expected that the new terminal will contribute to the sustainability ambitions set out in its new environmental report, including a commitment to electrification ambitions. Port of Piombino in Italy has historically relied on industrial and ferry traffic but in recent times it has found favour with Marella Cruises, prompting a focus on cruise sector growth. The city’s downtown area does not bear the usual hallmarks of a tourist destination, giving a greater sense of discovery for cruise visitors, including design contributions by Leonardo da Vinci. Piombino is well situated to explore the Etruscan coast, nearby highlights include Baratti and Populonia Archaeological Park, the pristine beaches in the Gulf of Baratti and the beautiful medieval village of Suvereto. Valenciaport continues to cement its reputation as a sustainable, safe and experience-based cruise port – attributes that are proving to be attractive to the family and luxury cruise sectors. Valencia has already confirmed that 2022 numbers will exceed the number of stopovers and passenger volumes achieved in prepandemic times and is reporting a very positive outlook for 2023. Portugal’s Port of Leixões has completed an ambitious roadmap to become a zero-emissions port by > >
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