173 and facilitates thousands of business meetings between ports and cruise lines. “One of our greatest achievements is bringing together stakeholders who may not otherwise have the opportunity to collaborate directly,” says Riga. “MedCruise facilitates dialogue between ports of different sizes, cruise lines, destination managers, tourism authorities, environmental experts, policymakers and international organisations. We provide a neutral platform where stakeholders can discuss challenges openly and develop practical solutions. The success of our 30th Anniversary General Assembly in Palermo, Sicily, in June 2026 – which was attended by over 240 delegates and 27 cruise lines and featured more than 700 business-to-business meetings – clearly demonstrates the value of this collaborative model.” By bringing stakeholders together, MedCruise enhances members’ ability to tackle industry-wide issues. “We have a stronger collective voice,” says Riga. This is particularly beneficial during periods of uncertainty. “Whether dealing with geopolitical tensions, regulatory changes, environmental requirements, or operational disruptions, MedCruise provides a forum where members can exchange information, learn from one another and coordinate responses,” explains Riga. “The challenges facing our industry are increasingly complex and interconnected. No single port can solve them alone, but together we can develop more effective solutions.” This belief in the power of collaboration has shaped Riga’s presidency mandate since she took office in 2024. Her objective was to build upon the foundations established by previous presidents while ensuring MedCruise remained “relevant, inclusive and forwardlooking”. Three priorities have guided her mandate: strengthening collaboration across the entire cruise ecosystem, supporting sustainable and responsible growth, and enhancing knowledge sharing and member engagement. “We want ports, destinations, cruise lines and industry partners to work together more closely than ever,” she says. “We also aim to drive economic, environmental and social sustainability to ensure cruise tourism continues to create value for local communities – and track it through specific impact assessments. In addition, we want to make FEATURE: MEDCRUISE AT 30 “ I see MedCruise becoming an even more influential platform for collaboration, innovation and leadership” MedCruise celebrated its 30th anniversary with over 240 members and 27 cruise line representatives during its General Assembly in Palermo, Sicily, in June 2026 Photo: MedCruise
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=