The ninth edition of the International Cruise Summit, held on November 27 and 28 in Madrid, surpassed the success of previous events and confirmed the growing importance of this congress and its discussion forums within the industry. More than 400 attendees were able to learn about this constantly growing industry, its opportunities and challenges, from over 40 speakers, including international experts and top-level cruise executives.
The ICS 2019 was inaugurated by Felix de Paz, Tourism Counselor of the Spanish Embassy in Miami, Alfredo Serrano, National Director of CLIA Spain and Jose Ramón Castiñeira, Director General of Tourism of the Community of Madrid.
The sector continues to boom. In 2020, 22 new ships will arrive on the market, which is almost two ships per month. In such a global industry, understanding potential cruise passengers better than your competition is essential to increasing perceived quality, customer satisfaction, and expanding customer loyalty. Big Data and data science are tools that the cruise sector cannot do without today. Improving the efficiency of all companies and achieving the transition to data-driven decision-making models is undeniable, and various companies presented innovative customer experience management models. If understanding the customer is fundamental, being able to predict demand becomes a differentiating factor.
However, the industry reiterated that, with the help of new technologies, it is necessary to properly manage tourist flows by destinations and not just promote the destination as in the past, and stressed its commitment to ports and public and private entities to overcome current challenges.
The event featured Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises, She shared her professional career and leadership as an example within the industry. Meier, a leading expert and advocate for environmental transition and sustainability, emphasized that we live in a time where perception often surpasses reality, making effective communication essential.
It is logistically impossible for all ships to be powered by liquefied natural gas, nor is it possible for shore power, or the connection of the ship in port, to be sustainable in all destinations when the electricity comes from non-renewable sources. This and other points must be clearly explained to professionals, the press, and consumers.
Within the ICS talks section, Emre Sayin, president of Global Ports Holding Inc., the world's largest port and port terminal operator, also shared his innovative vision on port and destination management. Marta Blanco, current President of the CEOE Tourism Council, discussed the economic and business importance of the sector within the national landscape.
This ninth edition has further enhanced Spain's image as the second European cruise tourist destination and Madrid as the venue for major international congresses.
