STCMed 2024: MedCruise Looks to the Future
The Seatrade Cruise Med, held in Málaga on September 11-12, showcased a strong presence from MedCruise members who led various panels focusing on key topics such as the state of the cruise industry in the Mediterranean, the social and economic impact of cruise tourism, sustainable destinations, decarbonization, women’s leadership in the sector, and more.
As the Mediterranean continues to grow as the world’s second-largest cruise destination, this major event is increasingly establishing itself as a must-attend for anyone involved in the cruise sector, both from the Mediterranean region and beyond. Indeed, the event, organized by Informa Markets and hosted by the Málaga Port Authority, the Málaga City Council, Costa del Sol, and the Regional Government of Andalusia, attracted over 2,000 attendees and more than 180 exhibitors from over 80 countries. Seatrade Cruise Med offers a unique mix of business opportunities, informative conference sessions, and networking experiences designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
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MedCruise is the main supporter of the Mediterranean edition of Seatrade Cruise, and the association was well represented by 13 members or member groups from 6 different countries, who showcased their ports and services, participated in B2B meetings, and hosted workshops, presentations, and tasting experiences.
The 2024 edition of Seatrade Cruise Med featured an extensive conference program, with MedCruise President and several board members taking prominent roles as moderators and speakers. During the main opening session on September 11, industry leaders focused on the current state of the cruise sector in the Mediterranean, exploring market conditions, key priorities for the coming years, and the importance of a collaborative approach. This session included contributions from Figen Ayan, MedCruise President, who is concluding her term this year, Marie-Caroline Laurent from CLIA Europe, Wybcke Meier from TUI Cruises, Chris Theophilides from Celestyal Cruises, Mario Zanetti from Costa Cruises, and Mary Bond from Seatrade Cruise, who served as the moderator.
Conference
The Power of social media in promoting your destination conference
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Other highlights included the “Common Ground: Port Association Dialogue” with Figen Ayan, Monica Berstad, Roger Blum, Klaus Bondam, Simone Tommaso Maraschi, and Ian McQuade; the panel on “The Positive Economic and Social Impact of Cruise Tourism” featuring Aziz Güngör, Global Ports Holding Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, which examined the economic and social impact of cruise tourism on local economies and communities; the conference “Navigating the Decarbonisation Journey: Synergies Between Ships and Ports,” which highlighted the progress and challenges ahead in achieving the shared goal of zero emissions in the coming years; and a dedicated space for women, the “Professional Women in Cruise Panel & Networking,” where Anne-Marie Spinosi, Cruise Manager at Corsica Ports, emphasized the power of collaboration, sustainability, and the challenges and opportunities faced by women in a male-dominated field. Another standout panel was “The Power of Social Media in Promoting Your Destination,” which underscored the importance of social media in promoting destinations, along with discussions on AI and its revolutionizing role in cruise industry operations.
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In addition to the captivating panels, the networking sessions were a major highlight of the event, where attendees had the chance to connect with over 180 exhibitors representing ports, destinations, and suppliers from around the world. Key exhibitors included Global Ports Holding, Ports of Spain, and MedCruise.
The event also featured sector-specific networking parties and the prestigious Seatrade Cruise Awards, celebrating excellence within the industry. Hosted in collaboration with the Málaga Port, the Málaga City Council, Costa del Sol Tourism, and Andalusia Tourism, the event also highlighted the beauty of the city of Málaga and its growing role as a key player in the Mediterranean cruise market. With over 500,000 cruise passengers welcomed in 2023, its vibrant culture, and strategic location, Málaga was the perfect venue for discussions on the future of cruising in the region.
Seatrade Cruise Med continues to establish itself not just as a cruise industry event, but as a key reference point for those looking to navigate the future of Mediterranean cruising.
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