Inclusiveness: The 64th MedCruise General Assembly
The 64th MedCruise General Assembly was held at the H10 Imperial Tarraco Hotel in Tarragona from June 11, coinciding with MedCruise‘s 28th anniversary, to June 14, 2024. The event featured three days of panels, presentations, and organized events focusing on inclusivity and the Human Tower, a regional symbol that epitomizes the heart of the event.
The event was attended by the President of the Port Authority, Mr. Saul Garrets, the Mayor of Tarragona, Mr. Ruben Viñuales, MedCruise President Mrs. Figen Ayan, and key local authorities, along with 26 cruise line executives from 23 different companies and 15 national and international media guests.
MedCruise Tarragona
MedCruise Tarragona
The opening of the new cruise terminal at the Port of Tarragona marked the event’s commencement. The terminal, which saw an increase from just 13 cruises in 2013 to 57 calls and over 110,000 passengers in 2023, is expected to grow to 65 calls and about 120,000 passengers in 2024. This highlights the commitment to developing the cruise sector. The modern terminal, with a state-of-the-art structure spanning 2,204 m², aims to enhance the passenger experience while promoting sustainable tourism in the region. It will cater to both transit and homeport operations and offer amenities like a café, shops, Wi-Fi, bus parking (up to 50 buses), a taxi station (up to 20 taxis), and a shuttle service (available upon request). The event included a festive evening with music, masks, and refreshments.
MedCruise Tarragona
MedCruise Tarragona
MedCruise Tarragona
MedCruise Tarragona
Inclusivity was the main theme, prominently featured during the panel “Women Power in the Waters,” which included Captain Kate McCue of Celebrity Cruises, Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General of CLIA Europe, and MedCruise President Figen Ayan, moderated by Anne-Marie Spinosi, Director of the MedCruise Board and Corsica Ports Cruise. The panel discussed the tools needed to encourage young women to enter the maritime sector, noting that women make up only 2% of seafarers worldwide. The testimonies of these women instilled confidence in the growth of these numbers, sending a clear and strong message of inclusivity and gender equality.
The theme was also represented by the presentation of “Queer Destinations,” a travel and tourism company based in Mexico City, Mexico, focusing on LGBTQ+ community travel and tourism. CEO and partner Edgar Weggelaar addressed the community’s needs in terms of experiences and services at ports and destinations. Queer Destinations is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all customers, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, incorporating updated statistical data, interviews, and practical case studies. A videoclip during the presentation depicted a world where heterosexual couples were not the norm, highlighting the discomfort some might feel in certain situations, which Queer Destinations aims to alleviate by creating environments where people can freely express their sexuality.
MedCruise Tarragona
MedCruise Tarragona
MedCruise Tarragona
MedCruise Tarragona
Another key theme was the Human Tower, symbolizing universal values like teamwork, solidarity, a sense of belonging, and the integration of people of all ages, origins, races, and social backgrounds. This was followed by a workshop where attendees could share and experience the essence of this tradition, declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2010.
MedCruise Tarragona
MedCruise Tarragona
MedCruise Tarragona
MedCruise Tarragona
Highlights of the program included B2B meetings for cruise lines, port representatives, and industry players to discuss emerging issues and strengthen business relationships. A gala dinner featured a live Human Tower performance, impressing and captivating attendees, and a farewell dinner at PortAventura World, showcasing Tarragona’s attractions. Excursions explored UNESCO World Heritage Site Tarragona, Reus, Poblet and Montblanc, Priorat, and more.
B2B Meetings MedCruise Tarragona
Tarragona
Portaventura World
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