The Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority fully supports the cruise industry’s request to resume sailings from the Italian ports, following a stop to worldwide operations in the midst of the global public health Covid-19 emergency.
The first important step in the cruise activities recovery plan, which is to adopt a gradual and phased-in approach, is a firm commitment to comply with the strictest safety standards certified in the management of landside oprations. The stringent portocol, drafted by the cruise lines in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, introduces guidelines for the adoption of a series of enhanced measures set to guarantee the safety and health of passengers and crew during all stages of the cruise.
“At the end of 2019, the ports of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority ranked amongst the Mediterranean’s leading cruise hubs, with over 2 million passengers and 435 cruise calls. The cruise industry in Savona and Genoa, homeports respectively to Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises, contributes significantly to the economic prosperity of the cities and provides a boost to the local tourism promotion, in addition to generating employment in areas which have suffered severe setbacks due to the subsequent sharp drop in international tourism. Whilst safeguarding the health of passengers and crew must remain the top priority, it is important to take all possible measures to restore cruise industry operations, with the adoption of enhanced safety protocols both onboard and ashore.”
