Valletta, Malta – The 52nd MedCruise General Assembly is taking place from May 23-26, 2018, in Malta. MedCruise is the association of cruise ports in the Mediterranean and adjacent seas, with a total of 72 members representing more than 100 ports around the Mediterranean region, and other trade members of the cruise industry.
During the general assembly, representatives of MedCruise members, along with other invited guests from the cruise industry, will discuss the latest developments in the cruise sector, as well as the implications and prospects for cruising in the Mediterranean and its adjacent seas.
At the opening session, attended by many local and international stakeholders, Stephen Xuereb, CEO of Valletta Cruise Port and COO of Global Ports Holding Plc, commented: “Valletta Cruise Port is proud to host this event. As founding members of MedCruise, we are delighted to have witnessed the partnership grow since its inception. During this time, Malta’s cruise industry has continued to flourish, reaching a record of over 700,000 passengers in 2017. Malta is a unique destination, long considered a microcosm of the Mediterranean, with 7,000 years of history and a favorite among many travelers seeking an authentic island experience. We are happy to welcome our guests and showcase our island firsthand in the coming days.”.
Emre Savin, CEO of Global Ports Holding Plc, added: “As the world’s largest cruise port operators, Global Ports Holding Plc is delighted to support this event, which is taking place in one of our ports, Valletta. Valletta is one of the must-see destinations in the Mediterranean. We hope you enjoy this year’s event and appreciate the beauty of this wonderful destination.”.
Carlo Micallef, Deputy CEO & CMO of the Malta Tourism Authority, also spoke at the press conference and stated: “The Malta Tourism Authority is delighted to support the organization of this prestigious cruise assembly on our islands, particularly at a time when the tourism industry is experiencing a golden age. The Maltese islands have been achieving record-breaking tourism figures, and cruise tourism in Malta and Gozo is a significant factor in this success. Although cruise passengers are not counted as tourists for statistical purposes, the cruise industry, in addition to generating significant commercial activity for the port region, provides valuable exposure for the islands, contributing to our tourism success.”.
Airam Díaz Pastor, President of MedCruise, said, “We are honored that Valletta Cruise Port, a founding member of MedCruise in 1996, is hosting our 52nd General Assembly,” adding, “It is a privilege for us to be in the 2018 European Capital of Culture. The MedCruise General Assembly has established itself as one of the most important cruise events in the Mediterranean and adjacent seas, bringing together cruise ports and their partners with invited guests – cruise line executives and representatives of the international press.” Finally, he emphasized, “Our prestigious association, as a key member of the industry, is committed to the new opportunities and challenges ahead, and we look forward to contributing during the Golden Age of our industry.”.
