MedCruise welcomes the initiative of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) to develop an agenda on Maritime Skills and Careers in the Blue Economy of Europe.
We share the views of the European institution that growth in the blue economy will require appropriately skilled workforce, able to apply the latest advancements in a range of disciplines, whereas any skills gap must be tackled.
The Cruise world offers a unique opportunity for growth of the Blue Economy.
The cruise port industry and cruise activities in the Mediterranean and the adjoining seas have experience growth in all respects throughout the last two decades. The presence of qualified and skilful personnel will provide an essential condition for the transformation of this growth to a sustainable one.
In this vein, MedCruise accepted the invitation and – represented by its Secretary General, Thanos Pallis – actively contributed at the ad-hoc expert group meeting on “Maritime Skills and Careers in the Blue Economy” that was organised by DG MARE, in Brussels on the 16th of December.
MedCruise welcomes the decision to make maritime skills and careers to a key theme of the 2016 European Maritime Day, as well as the common view of stakeholders that concrete actions will help achieving the desired targets.
It also commits to continue providing to all policy makers first hand insights into skills and careers prospects that are present in the provision of port and related services to cruise lines and passengers – so that cruise activities will be among the key options to increase the number of people who might be interested in a blue economy job.
MedCruise will also continue to advance its work internally as well as in partnership with cruise lines and other stakeholders in addressing any skills gaps and related challenges for the cruise sector – with the key of these efforts being the MedCruise professional development programme and the Travel Agent Programme that is developed in partnership with CLIA Europe.
