Five European port
and destination cruise associations have formed a strategic alliance to support
the continuing sustainable development of the European cruise industry.
Cruise Baltic,
Cruise Britain, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway and MedCruise will bring over 400
ports, destinations and industry service providers into the new initiative, which is committed to a responsible
approach to cruising and will focus on developing sustainable solutions to
tourism and environmental challenges.
The alliance will
initially collaborate to focus on developing strategies to better manage the
flow of cruise passengers in popular destinations to ensure cruise tourism
remains a “positive force”. Members will
also share best practices on the adoption of greener technologies to further
reduce the environmental footprint of cruise tourism. The alliance aims to
work with key stakeholders within the wider cruise community and externally, as
well as supporting all members in their work across the European cruising
areas.
Together the five
associations released this statement: “As an alliance of European and
Mediterranean cruise ports and destinations represented by Cruise Baltic,
Cruise Britain, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway and MedCruise, we’re focused on
promoting sustainable growth within the cruise industry. We understand the common challenges our members and partners face and
we believe that we can find innovative solutions by working together with all
stakeholders in a transparent fashion; these solutions will work to ensure
that the cruise industry and all our environments from urban to rural can
coexist in harmony with other forms of tourism.”