34 port operations teams is essential. Predictability and transparency eliminate surprises and help ensure a seamless experience from arrival to departure.” Almpertis suggests ports could implement integrated digital platforms to enhance communication and enable real-time coordination, adding: “Equally important, structured dialogue among cruise lines, communities and key stakeholders can help align priorities, ensuring that growth in cruise travel creates meaningful shared value while preserving the distinctive character of each destination.” Similarly, better communication between ports and cruise lines will help alleviate the additional operational challenges caused by the introduction of new regulations and border requirements, such as the European Union’s new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). “New frameworks like EES and ETIAS, together with evolving environmental and reporting requirements, continue to introduce additional layers of complexity across regions,” says Almpertis. “Simplifying regulatory processes should be a top priority for ports, particularly around EES, ETIAS and local environmental documentation. Streamlined procedures reduce complexity for all stakeholders and create a much smoother experience for travellers.” It is critical for ports to improve relationships with the local communities too. While the inhabitants of some destinations welcome cruise calls and recognise the socioeconomic benefits the sector brings, locals living near other ports are concerned they cause overcrowding, noise, pollution and other issues. If left unresolved, this backlash can lead to guests feeling unwelcome onshore and dissuade cruise lines from visiting the ports. “One of the biggest challenges for many destinations is finding the right balance when it comes to visitor numbers,” says Lister. “In general, it comes down to good collaboration between ports and local communities. Some places manage this well by setting daily limits on ship arrivals or passenger numbers, which helps avoid overcrowding. Encouraging cruise calls during quieter times of the year or staggering arrival schedules can make a big difference too. Afternoon or evening visits, for example, not only help ease congestion but also often give guests a more authentic experience – especially in places where local life tends to come alive later in the day.” While much of the responsibility for ensuring cruising has a positive impact on the local community lies with the ports, cruise lines must also look for opportunities to “travel more thoughtfully” and support the communities they visit in “meaningful ways”, says Lister. “Creating a more sustainable future for cruise tourism is something we’re actively working towards, and that starts with being mindful of the places and people we connect with along the way.” Scala agrees, noting that MSC Cruises has already introduced initiatives to ensure its ship calls benefit the local communities it visits. “One of the great challenges, particularly for ports handling large vessels, is ensuring the local community are heavily involved and embrace the cruise industry,” says Scala. “Importantly, they must see that the industry is moving in the right direction in terms of our environmental, social and governance goals. Activities such as the coral restoration and community engagement programmes we have recently been carrying out in The Bahamas are a great way to connect the local population together with our amazing crew members.” If ports, cruise lines, local authorities, the community and other industry stakeholders work together, they will not only ensure operational efficiency and seamless guest experiences, but also drive the growth of sustainable cruise tourism and deliver shared prosperity for all, predicts Di Palma. “Future success depends on close collaboration between port authorities, cruise lines and local stakeholders,” he says. “Together we can create scalable, efficient and welcoming gateways to the world’s most inspiring destinations.” The digital technologies at MSC Group’s new terminal in Miami, Florida, enable the facility to host three ships simultaneously and process up to 36,000 passengers per day FEATURE
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