183 ease overcrowding by diverting traffic to lesser-known attractions and developing sustainable shore excursions. “Big marquee destinations are getting overcrowded, so we’re looking at smaller, off-the-beaten-path destinations,” said Jeff Shieh, manager of deployment planning and analysis at Seabourn. “Guests want to see something a little bit different.” Christine Manjencic, vice president of destination services operations at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, noted that the increase in younger passengers has prompted a “big shift” in the type of shore experiences guests want. “People are gravitating to experiences with smaller groups,” she said. Guests also “really love” NCLH’s new sustainabilityfocused excursions, which include plastic fishing and tours of oyster farms. Referencing the small anti-cruise protest organised by environmentalists outside the conference venue in Tarragona, Manjencic said it is vital for cruise lines and ports to engage with local communities to alleviate their concerns and “understand what we can do better and what they expect from us”. Both Francesco Rossiello, senior manager of deployment and itinerary planning at Holland America Line, and Giovanna Dipasquale, Ambassador Cruise Line’s head of itinerary management, advocated for cruise lines and ports to join forces to address issues raised by local communities during the ‘Strategies to Integrate Medium Sized Ports into the Cruise Itinerary’ session. Rossiello explained why educating locals about the “significant investments” cruise lines are making to reduce emissions could allay their environmental concerns, while Dipasquale emphasised the importance of communicating the socioeconomic benefits of cruising. Dipasquale also discussed the key attributes cruise lines prioritise when choosing ports for their itineraries, advising them to invest in good infrastructure, accessible facilities, proximity to attractions, shore excursion options to suit all passenger preferences. “Choose your clients and make your port right for them,” she said, cautioning ports against trying to target every type of cruise line. Fellow panellist and travel entrepreneur Scott Eddy recommended small and medium-sized ports to experiment with using social media to raise their profile, encouraging them to “make employees superstars” and “push out storytelling in a very unique way”. “A small port could become a huge port if it has the proper digital infrastructure in place and constantly tells stories about the destination,” he said, adding that smaller ports have “way more advantage TARRAGONA OPENS A NEW TERMINAL The MedCruise General Assembly coincided with inauguration of the new Tarragona Cruise Port, which has a 759-metre berthing line, a 40,000-square-metre esplanade and a 2,200-square-metre terminal equipped with various passenger facilities. The port, which aims to offer shore power in 2026, expects to host 60 calls and around 122,000 passengers in 2024. “Together, we are not just opening a port; we are opening doors to new possibilities and a brighter future for everyone connected to this beautiful city,” said Mehmet Kutman, chairman and CEO of terminal operator Global Ports Holding. MedCruise General Assembly attendees pictured after a workshop in which they tried forming their own human towers
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=