The MSC Foundation and the Complutense University of Madrid have concluded a collaboration agreement to promote and encourage development and academic excellence in the area of tourism and commerce, through the creation of the Award for the Best Final Degree Project in Tourism, an academic award in honor of Mr. Emiliano González, president of MSC Cruises in Spain, who passed away in March 2020.
MSC Cruises is a family-owned company with over 300 years of maritime heritage, where concern for the oceans where it operates and the people who work there is part of its DNA. This is why the company wanted to pay tribute to Emiliano González, who was part of MSC Cruises for more than 20 years, most recently as president.
The creation of this award aims to recognize the academic excellence of those committed to tourism as a driver of sustainable development. Winners will receive a €4,000 prize and the opportunity to complete a minimum six-month internship at one of MSC Cruises' European offices. The agreement stipulates that this award will be presented annually.
María Francisca Blasco, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Tourism at the Complutense University of Madrid, states: “The agreement that we have had the honor of promoting between MSC Cruises and the Complutense University of Madrid represents a major milestone for the Faculty of Commerce and Tourism, as it is the first agreement signed with a company of such international prestige dedicated to the cruise industry. Furthermore, it is also important for us to pay tribute to Mr. Emiliano González, President of MSC Cruises, a highly valued individual for his contribution to the tourism sector. To this end, MSC Cruises and the Faculty of Commerce and Tourism have launched the Best Final Degree Project Award, which will offer our top students the opportunity to receive financial support and an internship with this leading cruise line.
Daniela Picco, executive director of the MSC Foundation, comments: “The MSC group is a family business that is committed to people and the environment, as demonstrated by this award, which perfectly represents the Foundation's values.”
Fernando Pacheco, CEO of MSC Cruises, adds: “Emiliano González was not only dedicated to MSC Cruises, but to the entire tourism sector, ever since he completed his studies in Tourism Business Management. Our president always aspired to excellence in this industry and was convinced that the future of tourism lay in innovation in experiences and sustainability. Creating an annual award in his name that promotes the sustainable future of tourism, in partnership with such a prestigious institution as the Complutense University of Madrid, is one of the most fitting ways to honor his memory and his contribution to the sector.”
The application period for this award is now open to students in their final year of the Bachelor's Degree in Tourism or the Double Degree in Tourism and Commerce. A committee of six members from the UCM academic community, the MSC Group, and the family of Emiliano González will select the winning candidate.
