7 1 tourism in Europe, and I believe the US Administration’s decision to lift the testing requirement for international travellers to the USA will help increase the number of travellers visiting the country. We know that cruising is an influencing factor for 2.5 million international travellers who come to the USA each year. As of 2 June 2022, a total of 46 destinations (of which 31 are in Europe) had no Covid-19 related restrictions in place, which has a huge impact on traveller decisions when choosing where to travel. What are your thoughts on progress in terms of sustainability goals? Is the industry on target to meet these? The cruise industry is committed to pursuing net-zero carbon cruising worldwide by 2050. Achievement of this ambitious target is supported by our intermediary objective, which was developed in line with international objectives, to reduce the rate of carbon dioxide emissions (carbon intensity) by 40 per cent by 2030. Our member lines are actively engaged in efforts to achieve actual carbon reduction at sea and at ports by investing in new ships, technology and alternative fuels. Alternative fuels currently being explored include a range of options such as biofuels, synthetic fuels, ammonia and methanol. Other efforts underway include exploring hybrid solutions, including new generations of fuel cell technology to cut carbon emissions further, and lithium-ion battery storage systems. CLIA member cruise lines have a more modern fleet than ever before, and every year it becomes more environmentally efficient. Meaningful progress has been made on each commitment toward a path to a better future. It’s also important to note that our cruise line members are also making efforts to ensure good health and wellbeing, gender equality and reduced inequalities, affordable clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, decent work and economic growth, and industry innovation and infrastructure. All of this is imperative to a sustainable future. What are your predictions for the industry in 2023? We expect cruise will return to being one of the strongest sectors of the travel and tourism industry in 2023 – and Cruise lines are welcoming growing numbers of guests as they continue to resume sailings around the world
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=