MSC Cruises Executive predicts a bright future for the cruise industry

Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago expects the industry will return to the level of passengers in the pre-pandemic period during next year.

Vago, also Executive Chairman of the Cruise Lines International Association, explained during a recent conference in Miami that the cruise industry will definitely revive, as remarkable progress is currently being recorded.

“Now, even before we enter the summer season, we can see the momentum building in our industry’s revival”, Vago said.

347 new cruise ships are resuming service this May, as over 100 countries worldwide have already reopened to operations after the Covid-19 pandemics.

“With these figures, we’re again telling the story of cruising and its role in supporting coastal communities.

“This is possible not simply because our ships are back, but because the commitments we made in the early days of the pandemic have been delivered and are shown to be effective”, he added.

However, the cruise industry will need to make sustained efforts in order to return to the 2019 levels of demand. Also, governments will have to offer their full support for the business to come back to profitability.

“But as our fleets expand, and as we reduce their environmental impact, we also need to increase volumes to fill a demand gap of 4.7 million passengers by 2025. This involves realizing the full potential of loyal repeat cruise customers, as well as developing new business among new-to-cruise markets.

“These short-term challenges matter hugely, but in the long run, sustainability is the critical issue that we face. Our growth must fully integrate sustainable approaches.

“It is essential that governments around the world include cruising – and investment in new and innovative cruise vessels – in their sustainable finance programmes, such as the European taxonomy initiative. The cruise industry is an integral part of sustainable transport and tourism, it should receive adequate support as part of decarbonization programs and funding policies”, Pierfrancesco Vago concluded.

 

source: cruiseindustrynews.com