The MSC Foundation and the Complutense University of Madrid paid tribute to the memory of Mr. Emiliano González, former president of MSC Cruises in Spain, in a ceremony held on board MSC World Europe.
During the ceremony, the winner of the 3rd Annual Award for Best Final Degree Project in Tourism was announced. The award was created by the MSC Foundation as a testament to the drive for excellence and innovation that Mr. González embodied at MSC Cruises for over 18 years until his passing in March 2020.
The jury, which was made up of María Luisa Sanz, wife of Mr. Emiliano González; Mª Francisca Blasco López, dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Tourism; Ana María Romero, vice-dean of International Relations; Libertad Troitiño, coordinator of the Degree in Tourism; Fernando Pacheco, general manager of MSC Cruises in Spain; and Marina Anselme, Secretary General MSC Foundation; selected the finalists and, finally, the winner was Lucía Mardomingo, thanks to her outstanding project entitled “Citizen participation in Spanish tourist destinations”.
Lucía Mardomingo was awarded a prize of 3,000 euros and a six-month internship at one of MSC Cruises' European offices. This internship, offered by the MSC Foundation, allows young people to gain professional experience and training at a leading company in the cruise industry. In addition, a prize of 1,000 euros was awarded to the runner-up, Alejandra Guzmán, for her project “Madrid as a Tourist Destination: A View from the Japanese Traveler.”.
The awards were presented by Leonardo Massa, VP Commercial Area Southern Europe, and Marina Anselme, Secretary General of the MSC Foundation. Also present at the event was María Luisa, Emiliano's wife, who has been a key supporter of this initiative since its inception in 2022.
“This annual award is not only a reflection of the profound human values and unwavering dedication that Mr. González brought to MSC Cruises and the tourism industry as a whole, but also a heartfelt tribute to the incredible person he was. His passion, integrity, and inexhaustible spirit touched those he worked with in ways that words alone cannot express,” said Daniela Picco, Executive Director of the MSC Foundation. “This award has profound meaning. It not only symbolizes the values of the MSC Foundation and our family group, which maintains a deep commitment to caring for people and the environment, but also serves as an incentive for students to strive for personal and professional excellence.”
Emiliano González was a prominent figure in the cruise industry and played a vital role in the growth and positioning of MSC Cruises in Spain. As president, he drove the company's development and strengthened its relationship with the Spanish market. Emiliano was known not only for his great strategic vision but also for his ability to connect with people and share his passion for the world of cruising. His leadership was characterized by a deep commitment to training and professional development, both for his team and for future generations. He firmly believed in the potential of young people and the importance of offering them development opportunities in the maritime industry. This commitment is reflected in these awards, which not only honor his memory but also continue his legacy of promoting talent and excellence in the sector.
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