MedCruise at the World Conference Cities & Ports
The recent World Conference Cities & Ports, organized by AIVP – The World Network of Port-Cities and hosted by the Port of Lisbon, provided an important platform for global discussions among key stakeholders in the port and urban sectors.
One of the key participants was MedCruise, an association representing the cruise ports of the Mediterranean and adjacent seas. MedCruise’s qualified presence emphasized the importance of promoting a strategic synergy between ports and port cities. The event saw the participation of over 400 experts from 45 countries, including institutional representatives, urban leaders, private sector operators, and academics, all engaged in discussions on innovative solutions to harmonize port activities with the needs of local communities and to chart a shared path towards sustainable growth.
The MedCruise delegation was led by President Theodora Riga, accompanied by Vice Presidents Anne-Marie Spinosi and Laura Cimaglia. Their participation underscored the association’s commitment to promoting harmonious coexistence between port activities and local communities, as well as addressing global sustainability challenges.
MedCruise
During special sessions dedicated to cruising and mobility, MedCruise representatives explored key topics such as technological innovation, sustainability policies, and strategies for collaboration between ports and cities. Anne-Marie Spinosi highlighted the association’s work in fostering sustainable growth in the cruise sector, emphasizing the importance of developing collaborative models between ports and their surrounding areas.
Initiatives and Tools for the Future
In 2021, MedCruise and AIVP established the Cruises & Port Cities working group, an initiative aimed at strengthening the relationships and connectivity between ports and port cities. Among the outcomes of this collaboration is the Cruise Port City Compass, a publication that gathers experiences and perspectives on how to address challenges and seize opportunities arising from the interaction between cities and port infrastructure. MedCruise reiterated its commitment to supporting, through the working group and other initiatives, the exchange of best practices, the advancement of knowledge, and cooperation between ports, cruise lines, and tourist destinations.
Theodora Riga
Vision and Future Goals
President Theodora Riga emphasized MedCruise’s intention to intensify dialogue and collaborations with associations, policymakers, and stakeholders to guide the cruise sector toward sustainable development in the Mediterranean and surrounding seas. Furthermore, she reaffirmed MedCruise’s commitment to using all available means to support targeted initiatives that promote sustainable growth in the cruise sector, ensuring a balance between economic development, local community protection, and environmental preservation.
This vision embodies MedCruise’s primary goal: to make Mediterranean cruise ports models of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
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