Ports Together: two words we often use at MedCruise, and which have become part of the association’s DNA. Through the events MedCruise organizes, it always brings the united voice of our 152 member ports and 54 associate members to the cruise industry.
Just as MedCruise promotes the cruise industry within the Mediterranean and its adjacent seas, the maritime borders that weave the geographical contours of the association, which today spans 23 countries and 3 continents, making it the world’s largest association of cruise ports.
Now our signature event, MedCruise’s twice-yearly General Assemblies are the essential and awaited meeting point for our members and the global cruise industry.
A true showcase for the hosting ports, our General Assemblies have found a new dynamic after the pause imposed on us by the pandemic: in May 2022, a record 185 delegates gathered on the magnificent shores of the Costa Brava, confirming the need for unity that we all felt.
The global cruise industry had to reinvent itself to meet the new expectations and needs of its customers, just as the ports had to do to enter a new era, more sustainable and respectful of the environment.
And this 60th General Assembly was in line with MedCruise’s strong environmental commitments, notably by digitizing all documents normally printed and banning the use of plastic. This is now the norm for all our General Meetings and activities.
New times call for obviously new content: our conferences must also reflect the sustainable and technological transition undertaken by our members and the cruise lines, as well as changes in passenger consumption patterns. For each General Assembly, the members of our Board of Directors bring their expertise, skills, and sensitivity to offer all our members a rich and varied range of topics, which will be beneficial to the promotion and expansion of their port or business.
MedCruise General Assemblies are a skillful balance of knowledge, networking and visits in an always friendly atmosphere, which has made them a growing success, particularly with cruise line representatives who can, in the space of 3 days, discover new ports and destinations via a tailor-made program of visits and tours organized by the host port, as well as meeting a large number of our members to prepare their future programming.
Costa Brava, Malaga, Corfu, Burgas… one destination follows another for the organization of our Annual General Meetings, which also benefit from extensive international media coverage.
Next spring, we’ll be back in Spain, on the beautiful Costa Daurada, where the port of Tarragona will welcome us from June 11-14 and is already working hard on it.
On this occasion, we’ll be honored to attend the inauguration of their new cruise terminal. An event within the event, once again demonstrating the influence of MedCruise General Assemblies in the global maritime industry.
Anne-Marie Spinosi
MedCruise director for Events and #PortsTogether Activities
