Malta Cruise Network 'an example of collaboration'

The challenges facing the European cruise sector are too endemic and critical to be addressed by individual commercial entities or single port-destinations alone, Malta Cruise Network chairman Chris Paris said.

Cooperation of all cruise industry stakeholders is the key to facing those challenges, he said at the inaugural conference of the European Cruise Industry, held in Brussels earlier this month.

MCN sponsored the one-day Brussels' conference as part of its remit to raise awareness internationally of Malta as a cruise destination and homeport of choice. Participants included international cruise operators and port management.

Mr Paris called for cruise ports to collaborate in a spirit of "competitive cooperation" in planning responses to a host of issues likely to have serious impact on the industry within the decade.

A main concern is that of accommodating the next generation of "super cruise liners", whose presence would have immense implications for hinterland economies, the environment and land-based tourism sites.

Malta Cruise Network was a rare example within the European cruise industry of the type of collaboration that would be needed, Mr Paris said.

MCN was set up in late 2004 as an independent body to act as the focal point for local stakeholders and as a coordinating voice in the delivery of a quality product and service to the cruise line sector. Its remit is to define, develop, deliver and promote a sustainable cruise industry for Malta.

The network has been active also in addressing the overall experience of Malta as a cruise destination by ensuring cruise liner and passengers' particular needs are catered for by onshore service providers, he said.