ICS 2023: The present and future of the cruise industry
The start of the International Cruise Summit 2023 is just around the corner, the foremost cruise conference in Europe, set to take place in Madrid on November 14 and 15.
The event will host key figures in the cruise industry, with representatives from no fewer than 21 cruise companies on stage or in the audience, along with numerous sponsors supporting the initiative.
The main theme will revolve around geopolitical issues impacting itineraries, sustainability, and innovations, with a focus on future markets and sales strategies. Attention will be given to global, national, and local factors undergoing change, necessitating a reassessment of plans.
Cruise companies persist in investing in cutting-edge technologies to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Trials with sustainable fuels have been conducted, and research is underway on methanol and hydrogen engines. Over the next five years, 50 ships will be built, half utilizing liquefied natural gas, while the remaining 25 will feature robust gas filtering systems. Additionally, many of these new ships will have shore power connections, enabling them to switch off engines while in port.
ICS 2023
International Cruise Summit (5)
The long-awaited event therefore promises two days full of meetings, presentations and much more, starting on November 14 with the inauguration of ICS 2023 in the presence of Álvaro Rodríguez Dapena, president of Puertos Del Estado, and Virginia López Valiente, CEO of Cruises News Media Group – International Cruise Summit. The first part of the day will include a presentation on the outlook for the cruise industry, a panel of industry leaders invited to identify and discuss strategic opportunities and challenges for the years to come, with the participation of Andrea Zito, CEO by Swan Hellenic, Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, Figen Ayan, Chief Port Officer of Galataport Istanbul and president of MedCruise, Jonathan Daniels, CEO and port director of Port Everglades and Marie-Caroline Laurent, general director Europe of the International Association .
The first day will include presentations on the outlook for the cruise industry, a panel of industry leaders discussing strategic opportunities and challenges, market trends in Asia, shipyard basins, rebranding, sustainability concerns for ports and destinations, and a session on commercial and marketing trends, concluding with the “Food and drinks ICS party.”
International Cruise Summit
International Cruise Summit
The second day will focus on mental health promotion aboard ships, strategies for offering optimal guest experiences in remote destinations, new rules for traveling in Europe, a presentation on “Marketing & Delivering to the LGBTQIA+ Community,” unveiling the Icon of The Seas by Royal Caribbean, and a session of expert Q&A, concluding with the “Farewell networking brunch.”
International Cruise Summit
The summit aims to provide an updated overview of key factors influencing future decision-making, encompassing presentations, panels, games, networking, and social events over a day and a half, offering the opportunity to gain new ideas, network, and formulate strategies for the future.
Stay tuned for further updates and reviews on the world of cruising on Cruising Journal.