Cruising Journal

CLIA Cruise Week: A success beyond expectations

The CLIA Cruise Week, taking place from March 11th to 14th at the Jean Nouvel Pavilion of the Genoa Fair, has been a remarkable success. With over 2,000 participants, 150 speakers, 120 booths, 180 exhibiting companies, and 220 cruise line managers, including 80 buyers, the European cruise week organized by CLIA in collaboration with the Liguria Region, Municipality of Genoa, Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, and Genoa Chamber of Commerce has exceeded all expectations.

The significant gathering witnessed the presence of Italian and foreign ministers for the first time, along with CEOs of all major companies, international institutions, stakeholders from the industry, shipbuilding sector, and hundreds of suppliers. This convergence comes at a time when the industry looks optimistically towards the future.

Projections for 2024 are promising, with CLIA suggesting that Italy could surpass 14 million passengers, including embarkations, disembarkations, and transits, establishing itself as the primary European destination with over 5,200 port calls across 60 cruise ports on the peninsula. Italy also stands as the leading economic beneficiary of the cruise sector, having generated €56.4 billion in Europe in 2022, with €15.6 billion in Italy alone.

 

Regarding cruise companies, the next five years anticipate a €34 billion expenditure for the launch of 55 new ships, 98% of which will occur in Europe, significantly contributing to the continent’s economic development. Furthermore, by 2028, Italian shipyards will build half of the world’s cruise ships, with a total investment of approximately €20 billion.

“Partnerships and collaborations are essential for our industry, especially as we continue to make progress in the environmental transition of the maritime sector,” says Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “Therefore, as the new CLIA Global Chairman, I am very interested in collaborating with all the leaders of our industry during this cruise week, to continue working towards our goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”

Regarding propulsion systems, 36 out of the 55 new ships under construction will be powered by LNG (plus 7 by methanol, or capable of using it), abolishing the use of traditional fuels. This process is already underway in the industry, so much so that of the 12 ships owned by CLIA companies scheduled for delivery this year, 6 will be powered by LNG and 6 by traditional fuel, with a ratio that will improve in the following years: in 2025, 11 by LNG and 9 by traditional fuel, then 6 by LNG and 3 by traditional fuel in 2026, and finally, 5 by LNG and 1 by traditional fuel in 2027.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises and Chairman of CLIA Europe, emphasized how the event represents a significant gamble won for both Genoa and Italy because cruising is a highly important sector where Italy leads in Europe, and its ramifications have a strong impact on both tourism and the economy. This makes the development of this sector a crucial element for advancing cutting-edge technologies, territorial growth, and employment.

“It is the most important event dedicated to cruising on the continent,” declares the President of the Liguria Region, Giovanni Toti. “It represents a unique opportunity to showcase our territory to a vast international audience, as well as to further consolidate the role of our Region as a leader in this sector in Italy and throughout the Mediterranean.” Indeed, Liguria ranks second nationally for cruise traffic, accounting for 23% of the overall Italian data, figures of extreme relevance for tourism, with positive impacts on the entire regional economy.

Mayor of Genoa, Marco Bucci, stated his pride in hosting such an important event that has transformed the city into the international capital of cruises, with thousands of people arriving from all over the world. He highlighted how the CLIA Cruise Week represents a unique opportunity to connect international operators, institutions, suppliers, and stakeholders in a city that fully exploits its strategic position and potential as a cruise destination.

Indeed, the CLIA Cruise Week is an extraordinary opportunity that not only enhances the global reputation of the city of Genoa and the ports of the Western Ligurian Sea system, a leading destination in the Mediterranean chosen by over 2.5 million cruisers in 2023, but also showcases to all industry operators what has already been achieved and what is being done to make the ports of Genoa and Savona even more sustainable and attractive for passengers. This includes the convenience of new integrated mobility, services provided by the high-value-added naval mechanics sector for global major players, and hosting zero-impact green ships through dock electrification, leading to positive impacts on employment and economic growth.

“Our greatest satisfaction,” comments Luigi Attanasio, President of the Chamber of Commerce, “is seeing many Genoese and Italian companies among the exhibitors, ready to engage in dialogue, often for the first time, with the 90 top buyers of the global cruise industry to become their suppliers. For these companies, CLIA represents a double opportunity for growth: on the front of internationalization and sustainability. It’s a growth that the Genoa Chamber of Commerce is willing to support and accompany through outreach and training initiatives.”

Finally, Mauro Ferrando, President of the Genoa Old Port, highlights the pride in the operational role played by the port in organizing the event. This event is a significant test for evaluating the future prospects of the society and the new Levante Waterfront concerning international maritime economy events like the CLIA Cruise Week.

Don’t miss out on further updates and reviews on cruising at Cruising Journal, featuring photos, videos, and cruise deals.

Giorgia Lombardo

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