MSC Cruises has just unveiled a new initiative reinforcing its environmental commitment. The world’s fastest-growing cruise company today announced a new series of shore excursions specifically designed not only to protect and preserve the planet’s natural beauty but also to help local tour operators achieve international certification under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) certification program. These excursions are part of MSC Cruises’ strategic goal to offer passengers environmentally conscious vacations.
The new 'Protectours' program offers MSC Cruises passengers the opportunity to discover destinations like never before, while making a positive contribution to the environment through activities designed to help protect and preserve it. In total, the company will offer more than 25 different excursions.
Protectours offers passengers the chance to experience nature from a completely different perspective while simultaneously preserving its beauty and helping to ensure a greener future. Highlights include activities such as hiking with rescue dogs in Jamaica, meeting urban bees in Corfu, and helping to keep Croatia's beaches clean while snorkeling. What sets these tours apart is that they combine the exceptional service and extraordinary onshore adventures that MSC Cruises passengers typically enjoy, with a new added value: direct contact with nature in a wide variety of environments around the world.
MSC Cruises has become the world's first cruise line to operate carbon-neutral maritime operations, a practice implemented since early 2020. This commitment to the environment extends to shore-based activities with the Protectours program. These tours have a dual purpose: to encourage MSC Cruises' excursion partners to diversify their offerings and include more sustainable activities, and to promote the sustainable development of tour operators and their participation in the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's Certification program by the end of 2020. The company expects Protectours to continue expanding, providing passengers with a wider range of tourism options while simultaneously generating a growing positive impact on the environment.
According to a report on emerging trends in the sector prepared by MSC Cruises and titled 'The Future of the Passenger Experience', as the climate changes, passengers are seeking increasingly efficient and environmentally conscious vacation options, considering sustainability, social impact, and civic engagement. According to this study, more than half of Generation Z consumers (54%) state that the environmental impact of travel destinations is an important factor when deciding where to travel. Therefore, Protectours will not only help each participating region but will also improve the passenger travel experience by eliminating feelings of guilt related to the environmental impact of their trips.
The tours will take place in different parts of the world, with featured activities such as:
PROTECTOURS – Excursion through the Jamaican forests with the dogs from the Montego Bay Animal Haven shelter
This half-day experience allows passengers not only to walk with the dogs of the Montego Bay Animal Haven shelter, but also to learn about the important work of its founder, Tammy Browne, in rescuing these animals and giving them new lives. The Montego Bay Animal Haven was created by Tammy Browne to educate the local community about the overpopulation of stray animals and to combat this problem by providing homes for these dogs. They have continued their mission to fight this issue through educational programs, animal rescue and feeding, and by assisting veterinary clinics with birth control programs.
The dogs at this shelter are affectionately known as "hooligans." Each one has suffered a history of malnutrition, dehydration, or abuse, so Animal Haven is dedicated to giving them a second chance, which the dogs embrace with joy. Share this happiness and exhilaration by hiking or running with a group of 50 to 100 of these dogs as you explore the lush Jamaican landscape. The Montego Bay Animal Haven farm cares for these adorable "hooligans" until they find a new family and also offers the opportunity to meet these little heroes and learn their stories while enjoying this unique outing.
PROTECTOURS – Discover the magical world of bees in Corfu, Greece:
Corfu is known for its beautiful countryside, and here, in this idyllic landscape, passengers will immerse themselves in the magical world of bees, learning all about these vital insects. The bee, recently named “the most important living thing on Earth” by the Royal Geographical Society, lives in a complex and rich society, full of fascinating details.
After disembarking, passengers will travel south to the beautiful Lake Korission and the Bioporos farm, where they will get up close to honeybees. Equipped with protective suits, they will learn about these fascinating insects, discovering the dangers they face and their importance to our ecosystem. Following the encounter, dinner will be served at the Bioporos Restaurant, the only fully organic restaurant in Corfu. Passengers will also receive a unique gift: a sesame bar and 100g of local honey to commemorate their experience.
PROTECTOURS – Desert Conservation in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:
Passengers seeking a desert adventure can opt for the "Desert Conservation" tour, where they will spend six hours helping to preserve the unique landscape of the United Arab Emirates. Every year, thousands of locals and tourists visit the desert to relax, enjoy leisure activities, and seek adventure, but unfortunately, many traces are left behind in the form of trash, tires, car batteries, and other waste that damage the fragile ecosystem.
Through this excursion, passengers will have the opportunity to contribute to saving the desert, following an expert guide. Here, they will discover the splendor of the landscape while helping to maintain it by collecting waste and restoring its balance. Towards the end of their journey, they will stop at the Hala Oasis for an authentic Arabian dinner.
PROTECTOURS – Iceland on horseback with tree planting in Reykjavik, Iceland:
Iceland is known for its powerful and unique landscapes, and passengers will have the opportunity to discover the countryside for themselves as they saddle up on a Viking-era Icelandic horse and ride through the scenic lava fields and verdant hillsides. These special horses are unique for their gentle and friendly temperament, as well as their medium size and thick coats. In fact, an ancient law prohibits the importation of horses and forbids any horse that leaves Iceland from returning, thus preserving the breed for future generations.
After the hike, passengers travel to Guðmundarlundur Forest, where they will be greeted by a ranger from the Kópavogur Forest Association, who will guide them in planting a tree firsthand, helping the forest service's efforts to conserve this unique area and simultaneously contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions.
