Five European port and destination cruise associations have formed an alliance.
This marks a significant step forward in regional and international collaboration focused on developing sustainable solutions to tourism and environmental challenges, they claimed.
Cruise Baltic, Cruise Britain, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway and MedCruise bring over 400 ports, destinations and industry service providers into a co-operative new initiative designed to support the continuing sustainable development of the European cruise industry.
As leaders in the European cruise port community, the associations said that they recognised the importance of working together to create innovative and sustainable solutions that ensure the long-term viability of European ports and destinations, while protecting the environments and communities that are key to cruise tourism.
By pooling resources, expertise and experiences, the alliance aimed to promote best practices across the region and strengthen collective efforts to minimise environmental impacts and develop cruise tourism responsibly.
The alliance will also seek to increase work with key stakeholders both within the wider cruise community and externally, and to support all members across the European cruising areas.
It will initially focus on two primary areas that together can support the creation of a model of sustainable tourism.
- Developing strategies to better manage the flow of cruise passengers in popular destinations, ensuring that cruise tourism remains a positive force for local economies and cultures while minimising pressure on infrastructure and ecosystems.
- Sharing best practices on the adoption of greener technologies, such as shore power, alternative fuels and waste management solutions, that can further reduce the environmental footprint of cruise tourism.
It is also committed to advocating for a responsible approach to cruising, an approach that delivers for guests, respects communities, protects natural heritage and fragile environments and contributes positively to local economies.
Klaus Bondam, Chair, Cruise Baltic (pictured), said: “Cruise Baltic is proud to be a part of this new and strong alliance in Europe. An alliance that will set new standards for the dialogue and co-operation within cruise tourism.
“For us, responsible cruising is a given. So is realising that we share challenges with colleagues all over Europe. This is an important step to find solutions to these challenges, and hopefully, we can serve as an example for other cruise destinations all over the world,” he said.
Ian McQuade, Chair, Cruise Britain, added: “Cruise Britain is proud to be a part of this new initiative that will support the sustainable growth of the cruise sector in the wider European cruise region. This alliance strengthens our collective ability to address our common challenges through shared best practice and transparent communication, and we look forward to working with our new partners.’’
Simone Maraschi, Chair, Cruise Europe, commented: “As Chair of Cruise Europe, I am proud to support the new alliance 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 alliance strengthens our collective commitment to making cruising a model of sustainable tourism across Europe,” he said.
Together, the five associations commented: “As an alliance of European and Mediterranean cruise ports and destinations represented by Cruise Baltic, Cruise Britain, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway and MedCruise, we’re focused on promoting sustainable growth within the cruise industry.
“We understand the common challenges our members and partners face and we believe that we can find innovative solutions by working together with all stakeholders in a transparent fashion; these solutions will work to ensure that the cruise industry and all our environments from urban to rural can coexist in harmony with other forms of tourism.
“Acknowledging the current concerns about over tourism in some European destinations, our priority is to develop and promote strategies and messaging that facilitate the cruise sector in striking a successful balance between tourism and communities.
“By joining forces and working together with cruise lines 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,” they said.
