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Sustainability, a real mantra of the cruise companies, which are building ships with the latest technologies in emissions reduction, water purification, single-use plastic reduction programmes, paper, and separation for recycling, has extended its influence far beyond the ships into the companies’ own offices, and also to the destinations, where a holistic approach is sought that consider not only sound environmental practices at the port level but also in the entire value chain of the destination: tour operators, transport, and places to visit or activity companies.

The 12th edition of the International Cruise Summit, held on 15-16 November in Madrid, spotlighted the global issues of rising costs and labour shortages affecting the cruise industry and most other economic activities.

The twelfth edition of the International Cruise Summit in Madrid has concluded with cruise lines confident of an extraordinary 2023 despite the international situation of rising costs and staff shortages. Combating the myths that damage the reputation of cruise ships is short to the medium-term goal by highlighting not only their health safety but also the commitment to reducing environmental impact and their economic value to destinations, where each cruiser spends $750 in a week of cruising.

Other highlights:
The industry is formalising agreements with selected countries, such as Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, to train crew members to work on Caribbean cruise ships.

Being more active in communicating the reality of an industry committed to decarbonisation and sustainability will be the key to dispelling cruise’s reputational problems. Although occupancy levels are not yet fully recovered and more places are now available, cruise lines are committed to not lowering prices, which would devalue a product that offers exceptional value for money.

The cruise industry has recovered its activity strongly in 2022, although occupancy levels have not yet reached their peak. He was attended by leading managers and executives from cruise lines, ports, shipping agents and other companies in the sector from all over the world.

Finally, although 34% of cruise travellers are Generation C and millennials, communication about the value of cruises must improve to increase this percentage. The shortage is occurring in several areas of the supply chain: from shortages of buses, drivers and tour guides for excursions to difficulty finding staff willing to work on board and in port operations.

Andrea Zito, CEO of the cultural expedition cruise line, Swan Hellenic, was the personality interviewed this year by Virginia Lopez Valiente, CEO of CruisesNews Media Group, organiser of the event. New high-capacity ships with the latest environmentally friendly technologies have been added in the last three years. The companies are also investing in research into new energy sources, such as hydrogen, ammonia or methanol, with prototypes designed to come on stream in the next few years. In addition, older, smaller and inefficient ships have been scrapped and consequently gained new places.

Janet Bava of Amawaterways outlined how river cruising has found a new model for longer trips in high demand among consumers. As part of its sustainability programme, CruisesNews Media Group, organiser of the event, donated signage stands and surplus material to be reused for an NGO’s activities in developing countries. The lack of flights or low frequency on specific routes is still experienced, and more embarkation ports are being chosen and passenger transport by train or bus.

Marie-Caroline Laurent opened the inauguration of ICS 2022, Director General in CLIA Europe, Luis Fernando Martín Izquierdo, Director General of Tourism of Madrid and Álvaro Rodríguez Dapena, President of Puertos del Estado. Plus, cruisers are also facing rising operating costs and fuel costs never seen before. However, the industry expects normality to return as economic activity grows. Zito highlighted the environmental education value of his cruises in Antarctica, and the Arctic, which have also impacted him personally.