Port, destination and cruise line executives learn from each other in Visby, Gotland

The objective was to share knowledge, experiences and best practices related to sustainability including environmental initiatives on board and passenger visitation management in Gotland, and promote dialogue between local politicians, port and destination stakeholders and cruise lines.

The agenda included presentations from TUI Cruises director destinations Marcus Puttich, Royal Caribbean Group director government Relations UK & Nordics Jonathan Hawkings and CMP cruise commercial director Luis de Carvalho followed by Q&A sessions.

One of the highlights was a well conducted behind-the-scenes visits to the engine room, waste treatment room, bridge and public areas where the participants had a chance to learn and engage with the on-board team of officers, staff and crew on several matters.

Gotland was represented by local politicians including Gotland Mayor Meit Fohlin, Gotland Council governor Anders Flanking, Region Gotland executive officer Stefan Hollmark, and local stakeholders representing the port, tourism entities, museums and local attractions, local business owners and entrepreneurs.

Key takeaways

The importance of the German market: 34% of all calls in Visby come from vessels carrying mainly German cruise passengers followed by the US, Finnish/Estonian, French, UK and Italian markets.

In 2025, TUI Cruises will have its largest deployment to Visby with 17 Mein Schiff calls.

Mein Schiff 7 executives will conduct joint visits with Gotland stakeholders to improve the offer for passengers including spreading tours around the island for the benefit of the local community.

Mein Schiff 7 is designed to run on methanol and is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art environmental technologies.

No waste from Mein Schiff 7 is being discharged in Visby.

A program is being developed in Gotland to produce biogas from recycled cooking oil which cruise lines will be able to participate in.

Gotland continuous development

Erik Ohrn, CEO GFB (Gotland Business and Tourism Association) commented: 'It was very inspiring to take part and see how cruise ships have developed to become more sustainable. It was also very clear that we as a destination need to shift gears and continue to develop our tours and our infrastructure to keep up with the developments that are taking place. We look forward to continuing to develop Gotland as a destination together with our cruise partners and our local businesses.'

de Carvalho, CMP’s cruise commercial director added: 'As the cruise industry continues to grow, it’s vital for cruise lines, port and destination stakeholders to discuss and identify challenges and work together on best practices and solutions that can be applied now and for years to come.'

Repeat factor

Given the positive results and benefits for all parties involved, there are plans to conduct similar initiatives in 2025.