MedCruise, the Mediterranean Cruise Ports Association, has concluded its 68th General Assembly in Palermo, coinciding with the celebration of its 30th anniversary.
The event, organized by the Western Sicilian Sea Port System Authority, brought together more than 240 participants, including representatives from member ports, partner organizations, cruise lines, international media, and other industry stakeholders.
Held from June 9 to 12, the Assembly once again highlighted MedCruise’s role as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and business development for the sector. This year’s event saw record attendance, with 27 cruise lines in attendance and more than 700 B2B meetings held—the highest number ever recorded at one of the association’s General Assemblies—fostering new opportunities for collaboration among the various participants.
The program commemorating the 30th anniversary brought together current and former leaders of the organization, including honorary presidents and former secretaries-general, who looked back on three decades of cooperation between ports and cruise destinations, as well as the Mediterranean’s evolution into one of the world’s leading cruise regions.
During the conference, there were debates, working groups, and roundtable discussions focused on issues such as the international geopolitical situation, destination management, sustainable growth, accessibility and inclusion, digitalization, artificial intelligence, strategic communication, and collaboration among shipping companies, ports, and tourist destinations.
One of the highlights was a special panel dedicated to the 30th anniversary, which examined the evolution of the cruise industry over the past three decades, focusing on innovation, sustainability, strategic partnerships, and the industry’s ability to adapt.
Attendees also took part in the presentation of the latest MedCruise State of the Industry report, prepared by Professor Thanos Pallis, which provided an up-to-date overview of operational trends, market developments, and the outlook for the cruise industry in the Mediterranean and adjacent seas.
The president of MedCruise, Theodora Riga, emphasized that “the 68th General Assembly in Palermo marked a historic moment for MedCruise. Celebrating 30 years of cooperation while achieving record participation—with members, cruise lines, industry professionals, and 15 new members—demonstrates the strength of our association. Palermo was the perfect setting to recognize our achievements and reflect on the opportunities and challenges that will shape the future of sustainable and resilient cruise tourism in the Mediterranean, especially considering that it was one of MedCruise’s founding ports.”
In addition to the professional program, participants had the opportunity to learn about the cultural and maritime heritage of Palermo and Sicily through cultural visits, technical tours, and networking activities.
Highlights of the organized activities included visits to UNESCO-recognized monuments and historic sites, exploring the underground qanat network, technical tours of the port, maritime experiences aboard the Lisca Bianca sailboat, and excursions to iconic locations such as Monreale.
The social program included a gala dinner at Villa Boscogrande and a closing dinner at Villa Tasca, which also served as the official celebration of MedCruise's 30th anniversary.
The association expressed its gratitude for the support of the Western Sicilian Sea Port System Authority, the City of Palermo, and all the institutions, sponsors, and partners who contributed to the event's success.
As it enters its fourth decade of operation, MedCruise reaffirms its commitment to cooperation, innovation, and sustainable growth, with the goal of continuing to strengthen the Mediterranean’s position as one of the world’s leading cruise destinations.
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