In her article for Euronews, Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General for Europe at the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), emphasizes the cruise industry’s commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. She highlights the significant investments being made by cruise lines to achieve net-zero cruising by 2050, with a focus on innovative, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly technologies.
Laurent discusses recent decisions by ports, such as the move of cruise and ferry operations away from residential areas in Barcelona, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between cruise lines and ports to ensure the best outcomes for both passengers and local residents. She also addresses concerns about the environmental impact of cruise tourism, noting that cruise lines are pursuing sustainable alternative energy sources and investing in shoreside electricity infrastructure to reduce emissions while ships are berthed.
The article also addresses misconceptions about the impact of cruise tourism on European cities, citing a report from the Municipal Assembly of Lisbon that states cruise tourism does not contribute to tourist overload in the city. Similarly, in Amsterdam, discussions about relocating cruise operations away from urban areas have been ongoing, with a focus on sustainable operations and investments in shoreside electricity infrastructure.
Overall, the article aims to highlight the cruise industry’s commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism, emphasizing the positive contributions of cruise tourism to local economies and promoting dialogue and collaboration between the industry and port communities. It is a call to recognize the industry’s efforts and be part of the conversation on sustainable travel.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com
