190 VIEWPOINT Global Ports Holding calls upon the industry to work together to achieve carbon-neutral cruising by 2050 and create a more sustainable future By Mehmet Kutman, Global Ports Holding Turning the tide Responsible tourism is a major concern for the cruise industry; operators and ports and destinations are pursuing a more efficient, sustainable future with the goal of achieving net-carbon-neutral cruising by 2050, in accordance with the European Union’s target. Global Ports Holding (GPH) is ready to play its part. Following the acquisition of Ege Port Kuşadası in Turkey, Global Ports Holding was established in 2004. As the world’s largest cruise port operator, we now operate 30 cruise ports in 17 countries, handling over 20 million passengers annually. Our first major expansion was into the Mediterranean in 2013 with the acquisition of the cruise ports in Barcelona and Malaga in Spain. We expanded further in 2019 with our first foray in the Caribbean by acquiring Antigua Cruise Port and subsequently Nassau Cruise Port. Everytime we acquire a new port, we roll out GPH’s proprietary operating model, which includes not only our codes and policies but also our best practices, all dedicated to providing passengers and crew with a flawless experience. We study and understand the passenger journey, identifying pain points, and developing our services accordingly. Our regional set-up enables ports to support one another in every way, from day-to-day operations to marketing and other initiatives. We understand that although our legal landlord is often the country’s government, our true landlord is the people of the port’s country. This is why we strive to become partners with them, working in collaboration with, and contributing to, the surrounding area and its people. Striving for a more sustainable cruising future is no different; it requires collaboration and commitment from everyone involved. Photo: Global Ports Holding Global Ports Holding acquired Ege Port Kuşadası in Turkey, launching the company’s venture into cruise port operations
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