MedCruise addresses the 2nd European interparliamentary conference on tourism

The event was attended by MPs from across Europe and several members of the European Parliament as well as representatives from OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) and UNWTO (World Tourism Organization).

Pallis emphasised the importance of cruise growth for Mediterranean ports and destinations, as well as the broader contribution to local, frequently peripheral, economies.

Stressing the importance of sustaining the growth of cruise enjoyed during the last two decades, and the intensive work of cruise ports, Pallis presented the main challenges for MedCruise ports and destinations, and recommended initiatives to unlock further growth potential.

The coordination of ‘destination’ stakeholders to adapt to new tourism trends, the support for further infrastructure development, the cooperation to diversify tourism offers, and the transformation of Asian countries, China in particular, to new source markets, were the themes that highlighted by the Association's secretary general.

The Conference focused on alternative-thematic forms of tourism that can contribute to resolving the issue of seasonality. It also contributed to a better understanding and cooperation between the European National Parliaments attending the event.