This year's Seatrade Med conference programme will begin with the opening session entitled "State of the Cruise Industry in the Mediterranean", updating delegates on the facts and figures for the cruise industry in the Mediterranean region. The Mediterranean continues to enjoy stellar status as the world's second most visited cruise destination, despite challenging conditions in the southern European source markets and the instability generated by the Arab Spring and other factors. A high level panel from the cruise lines will discuss the outlook for the region as the world economy moves out of recession and as the range of offerings in the Med proliferates, with new ships, new itineraries and new ports of call.
Other topics to be discussed include:
Upscale Cruising
The Med holds a particular attraction for luxury cruise operators. With new investment in prospect, what is the outlook for the upscale sector in Europe and beyond, and how will the lines develop their offerings to meet the demands of the industry's most discriminating consumers? How should the lines and destinations work together to enhance the diversity of destination and shorex experience?
Logistics & Ship Supply
Cruise ship supply is an important element of the economic footprint from cruise tourism. But successful suppliers need to meet the stringent demands of cruise lines in terms of quality, quantity, and consistency. This session will look at the dynamic of ship supply in the Mediterranean ports and the logistic challenges of meeting deadlines in a major hub port like Barcelona.
Build, Repair, Refurbish – a Lifecycle of Change
Refurbishments, refits, upgrades, conversions and lengthenings are all vital elements in cruise lines' newbuilding programmes. With owners wanting to incorporate the latest designs, cutting-edge technology and onboard features that are appearing on new deliveries across their entire fleets, major makeovers are a common practice every three to five years in a ship's lifecycle. A look at opportunities for cruise lines, shipyards and suppliers in this buoyant sector.
Marketing, Sales & Distribution of the Cruise Product
Cruise line sales and marketing strategies for the European source markets and innovative ways of reaching national markets. This session focuses on lines' interaction with the sales and distribution channels to tap into new to cruise passengers and repeaters. How social media and mobile technology are driving digital marketing to consumers.
Ports, Terminals & Cruise Lines
Continued growth of cruise tourism in the Med depends on successful interaction between cruise lines on the one hand, and ports and destinations on the other. This session will look at the nature of that relationship, and the challenges and opportunities it offers for both parties, as ships get bigger and the challenges of handling passenger volumes in safety, comfort and security increase.
Green Ideas & Inspirations
With Emission Control Areas becoming more widespread will the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions be next? How might this legislation effect cruise lines and ports in the region and how to prepare? Vast strides are being made in the areas of ship efficiency and new technologies, this session will review and discuss cruising's fast moving Green Agenda including onboard innovations, shoreside power and waste reception facilities.
Itinerary & Shorex
With the ever-increasing success of the Mediterranean as a cruise destination, cruise lines are constantly looking to improve their itineraries across the region, covering West and Eastern Med, North Africa, the Adriatic and Black Seas and the Atlantic islands. Destinations must continue to develop stimulating and varied shore excursions to entice both cruise lines and passengers alike. What are the challenges for both parties, and how can they work together to achieve their goals? How are fuel and port costs affecting itinerary planning decisions?
For more information about the 2014 Seatrade Med Cruise Convention, please visit cruiseshippingevents.com/med
The Seatrade Med Cruise Convention is owned and organised by UBM in partnership with Seatrade and in association with the Port of Barcelona.
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Editor – Nina Marston at Seatrade, tel +44 1206 545121 or email [email protected]
Complimentary press registration is available to editors, writers and print/broadcast reporters intending to report on the event. Visit cruiseshippingevents.com/med to book your place.
About Seatrade Med
The Seatrade Med Cruise Convention, the major biennial cruise event focused on the world's second largest cruise destination – the Mediterranean, will gather in Barcelona, Spain from September 16-18, 2014 at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via Conference Centre. Owned and organized by UBM Live in partnership with Seatrade Communications Ltd, Seatrade Med is Europe's most prestigious cruise event, welcoming over 4,000 attendees and 300 exhibiting suppliers and service providers to the Mediterranean cruise market. Part of UBM Live's growing Cruise Shipping Portfolio, Seatrade Med features a comprehensive conference featuring high-profile speakers, an exhibition, a travel agent training component, and valuable networking events.
About UBM Live
UBM Live connects people and creates opportunities for companies across five continents to develop new business, meet customers, launch new products, promote their brands and expand their markets. Through premier brands such as Routes, CPhI, IFSEC, TFM&A, Cruise Shipping Miami, the Concrete Show and many others, UBM Live exhibitions, conferences, awards programs, publications, websites and training and certification programs are an integral part of the marketing plans of companies across more than 20 industry sectors.
About Seatrade
Established 40 years ago, Seatrade is a leader in cruise and maritime publications, conferences and exhibitions, training, awards and other special projects. Regular events include international trade exhibitions and conferences across all maritime sectors, management training courses for shipping professionals, training seminars for travel agents and award schemes, including the Seatrade Insider Cruise Awards. Seatrade publications include magazines, supplements and yearbooks, whilst Seatrade Insider provides daily cruise news online at seatrade-insider.com
