By
Rebecca Gibson |
MedCruise, the world’s largest cruise port association, has celebrated both its 25th anniversary and the third edition of the MedCruise Awards during a virtual event co-hosted by the Port Network Authority of Central-Northern Tyrrhenian Sea.
The association was first established in Rome, Italy on 11 June 1996 after 18 ports in seven different countries joined forces to promote cruising in the Mediterranean region. Over the years, the association has expanded rapidly, and it now represents more than 140 ports and 34 cruise-related companies in 21 countries across the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Adriatic Sea, Red Sea and Near Atlantic. Members work together to develop collaborative cruise strategies, implement standardised best practices, showcase the region to cruise executives, and much more.
The anniversary coincided with the third edition of the MedCruise Awards, which are designed to recognise the individuals and organisations that have helped to showcase the resilience of the cruise industry, drive sustainability and the safe resumption of cruising, and promote MedCruise, its mission and its members.
Winners of four awards were chosen by member of the cruise industry and wider public. They included:
In addition, three key industry players received 25 Years Special Awards, including:
- Devoted Member Award: Fernando Muñoz, Business Development Director at Port Authority of Cartagena in Spain
- Commitment to MedCruise life: Carla Salvado, MedCruise Honorary President and Deputy General Manager Commercial and Marketing at Port of Barcelona in Spain
- Lifetime Recognition: Catherine Lafon, Head of the Cruise Port Promotion Department at Cruise Port of Sete in France (retired)
The MedCruise Honorary Award was presented to EU Healthy Gateways Joint Action.
“Congratulations to the receivers and winners of the MedCruise Awards 2021,” said Aris Batsoulis, president of MedCruise.