As a result of internal surveys and studies carried out by different working groups inside the association, MedCruise has decided to invest in digital communication and develop new infographics, statistics reports, interactive maps and a dedicated section to career opportunities. From next June, the website www.medcruise.com will be strengthen with new sections and the association will open a “Threads” profile to reach even more stakeholders via a wider social media communication.
May 2024 – MedCruise, the largest Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports representing 153 ports from 22 countries in 3 different continents and 53 Associate Members, has had a very productive mandate with many new initiatives and services, which are now supported by technological innovations on its digital platforms. The website enhancements are introducing new features aimed at improving the user experience and ensuring access to the most up-to-date information to the cruise industry from its members, to create stronger visibility for all MedCruise port and associate members.
Informational Maps & New Sections
One of the most outstanding improvements is the geolocation of each member, a fundamental change in terms of precision and accuracy. Moreover, this enables the creation of detailed and informative maps and the creation of infographics reflecting data and information of various surveys, new initiatives or activities created during this mandate.
From now on, the cruise industry will have detailed information on crew facilities and services available at our ports, thanks to the crew-friendly survey led by MedCruise’s Vice President, Lorenzo Vera. Additionally, the extensive sustainability and environmental survey conducted by board of directors Valeria Mangiarotti and Jamil Ouazzani will be presented in a map format. This data will be available on MedCruise’s website with customizable filters, empowering users with reliable information and facilitating informed decision-making.
From a static platform, MedCruise’s website will become a more interactive one allowing members to directly manage and update their profiles, ensuring the accuracy of the information presented and empower members or promote their engagement within the MedCruise community.
In a sector where agile professionals are more and more needed with the growing number and size of ships, a new section within the website will be dedicated to career opportunities from the cruise lines but also port side in order to include whoever wants to become part of the vibrant cruise industry.
The associate membership has increased by 47% and MedCruise has also created a categorisation system encompassing four different associate categories, reflecting their supporting role within the industry: Tourism Board, Port Agent, Receptive Agent or Cruise industry related Association or Company.
As board of director Aris Batsoulis’ task and as the 2nd pillar of the mandate after sustainability, MedCruise has given high priority to data governance to become one of the reliable sources for data. In collaboration with SaMMYacht company, the association has been actively working on a project that will create a digital platform to automate the reporting, modelling and visualisation of cruise traffic data across the MedCruise port network on an annual basis. This new platform, which will also be available on the website in June 2024, will also incorporate dynamic graphics and historical data collected over the past 10 years, allowing members to compare the recorded data available.
MedCruise website continues to serve as a database that offers publications and useful resources for the cruise industry, such as MedCruise Statistics report, issued every year, MedCruise Yearbook, also updated yearly, and the recent MedCruise’s Cruise Port City Compass, published and launched at Seatrade Cruise Global on April 10th, 2024, in collaboration with AIVP, the International Association of Cities & Ports and thanks to the great efforts of board of director Noemi Frascella.
Social Media Development & New “Threads”
Finally, in terms of social media, MedCruise has seen a significant increase in its presence and visibility in recent years, especially on platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram, and is placing greater focus on these channels thanks to the support of board of director Cristina De Gregori.
In addition, MedCruise will be present at ‘Threads’ channel, that will be launched in June 2024, with the goal of improving visibility and providing a dedicated space for discussions, updates and interactions, strengthening its online presence.
Figen Ayan, President of MedCruise, shared “while we are approaching to the end of the 2021-2024 mandate, I am extremely happy to see that our vision and targets have been reached and will be reflected to the whole industry in a user-friendly and accessible manner with our enhanced MedCruise website. This could not have been possible without the constant efforts of the Secretariat, Board of Directors and stakeholders involved”.
