74 ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS: REPORT The ‘Port investment and development’ session provided three particularly noteworthy takeaways. While Andrea Ferla, manager of destination experiences at Silversea, suggested that “The port is the first impression that the guest has on arriving at a destination. Investment is necessary to welcome guests properly.” Hugues Lamy, director of port operations at Swan Hellenic, said that “We don’t need any investment from the port other than to maintain the quality of the destination itself.” Meanwhile, Ugo Savino, director of deployment and itinerary planning at Carnival Cruise Line, advised that “before investing millions in a new terminal or pier, [ports should] speak to cruise companies and get their expert advice.” “I love finding that thing that makes you say ‘wow,’ and I dig deep to find that thing,” said Baird in his presentation, and it’s good advice in both our work and our play. The 63rd General Assembly in Burgas gave us many opportunities to make that exclamation! MED PORT NEWS IN BRIEF Fundación Valenciaport has restarted a project using sensors to track how passengers move in and around the city during cruise calls. The data will provide valuable insights to help manage potential destination overcrowding and improve passenger satisfaction. Motril, Spain, has achieved a record year for cruise calls in 2023, representing a 600 per cent growth on the previous year, due in part to 10 calls by Norwegian Cruise Line. For the calls by Norwegian Epic, the port laid on 15 shuttle buses from the port, stopping at the beach and downtown for those electing not to visit Alhambra, Granada or the other compelling shore excursion offers. North Tyrrenian Port Network is stepping up efforts to bring small and luxury ships to anchor off Capraia, the magical island in the Tuscan Archipelago. While it hasn’t received any calls in 2023, this could be the very justification for a luxury ship to visit – a near guarantee of an intimate call. Cartagena is in the process of remodelling its entire waterfront to improve access between the terminal and the city and to create a greater sense of connection with the sea. The completed building restoration work will provide a range of new facilities, including cafés, restaurants, an ice cream parlour and the impressive Experiencia Licor 43. Constanza continues to woo river cruise passengers throughout the year and is starting to see hints of a revival in its cruise business. The Romanian port is eager to highlight that it is still a safe and secure destination and has retained all of its charm and appeal, with tours of the old city, lazy beach days and Danube Delta boat trips topping the shore excursion highlights. Photo: Unsplash/Jorge Fernandez Salas
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