CE and fellow port associations commit to advocate for sustainable growth



Wednesday, September 25, 2024 - 18:09 by ce-press

In early September, Simone Maraschi, chair of Cruise Europe (CE), joined leaders from four other European port associations during the ‘Common ground: port association dialogue’ session at Seatrade Cruise Med in Malaga, Spain.

Together with Figen Ayan of MedCruise, Monica Berstad of Cruise Norway, Klaus Bondam of Cruise Baltic and Ian McQuade of Cruise Britain, Maraschi discussed how the five associations can join forces to create proactive actions towards sustainable challenges and over tourism.

A significant outcome of this session was a joint statement to commit to advocate for sustainable growth in the cruise industry. Recognising shared challenges, the associations emphasised the importance of transparency and collaboration among members, partners and stakeholders to find innovative solutions. The shared goal is to ensure the cruise industry harmonises with both urban and rural environments. They acknowledge concerns about over tourism in Europe and aim to develop balanced strategies that align tourism with community needs.

Maraschi comments: ““The cruise industry operates on a truly global scale, where the challenges we face are interconnected. What transpires in one destination can have far-reaching consequences, influencing not only nearby regions but the entire industry.

“In light of this, it is more important than ever for us to collaborate closely and present a unified front in addressing these shared challenges. By working together, we can strengthen our communication efforts, ensuring that we respond to issues with a cohesive and coordinated approach. Our collective actions will better equip us to navigate the complexities of the current landscape, safeguarding the sustainability and growth of the industry as a whole.”

A joint statement was issued: “By joining forces and working together with cruise lines, CLIA and other key stakeholders, we are committed to advocating for a responsible approach to cruising - one that delivers for our guests, respects our communities, protects our natural heritage and fragile environments and contributes positively to local economies”.

Maraschi concludes: “As chair of Cruise Europe, I am proud to support the new coalition between European cruise port associations, focused on advancing sustainable cruising. This partnership is a crucial step in addressing the environmental challenges of our industry, driving innovation, and sharing best practices to reduce our impact on the planet. This coalition strengthens our collective commitment to making cruising a model of sustainable tourism across Europe.”
CE and fellow port associations commit to advocate for sustainable growth
LtoR: Roger Blum, moderator; Figen Ayan; Simone Maraschi; Ian McQuade; Klaus Bondam; and Monica Berstad (c) MedCruise





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