GSTC at CLIA Cruise Week Europe

CLIA Cruise Week, including the fourth edition of the European Summit, brought together the cruise industry’s most senior cruise line leaders, policymakers, business partners, and suppliers to discuss the future of the industry.

The European Summit has established itself as the platform for the cruise community to share its vision for the future with key policymakers, media, and the wider maritime industry. The 2025 program covered essential European policy matters, responsible tourism management, the latest in zero-carbon and green fuel solutions, and much more.

GSTC participated in CLIA Cruise Week held in Rotterdam from March 12-14, 2025, contributing to discussions on the future of sustainable cruise tourism. Dr. Ioannis Pappas, GSTC’s Director for the Mediterranean Region, joined the panel titled “Next Generation: Destination Europe” alongside industry leaders:

Alfredo Serrano (Moderator) – CLIA
Barbara Buczek – Chief Destination Experiences Officer, Cruise Saudi
Ljubomira Dimova – Senior Research Manager, European Travel Commission
Manousos Koutoulakis – Secretary General for Aegean and Insular Policy, Greece
Maria Machado – Deputy Director General, HOTREC

The panel reviewed the European Commission’s Report on Good Practices for Sustainable Cruise Tourism, assessing its implementation in daily operations and discussing remaining challenges.

[From left to right: Julie Green, Deputy Director General in Europe, CLIA, Jose Gonzalez, Senior Director, Sustainability in Europe, CLIA, and Ioannis Pappas, Director For Mediterranean Region, Global Sustainable Tourism Council]

“Sustainable cruise tourism must be a shared responsibility, integrating destinations, ports, and cruise lines under a unified sustainability framework. At GSTC, we are committed to supporting this transition through our assessment tools, helping destinations—including ports—align with global sustainability standards. Our discussions at CLIA Cruise Week Europe highlighted the need for stronger collaboration, and we look forward to contributing to the European Commission’s upcoming consultations on the EU Maritime Industrial Strategy, the EU Port Strategy, and the EU Tourism Strategy. These frameworks will shape the future of maritime and tourism industries in Europe, and it is essential that sustainability remains at their core. GSTC stands ready to support stakeholders in this process by providing expertise, best practices, and strategic guidance to ensure a responsible and resilient future for the cruise sector.” Said Dr. Ioannis Pappas, GSTC Director for the Mediterranean Region.

CLIA’s Cruise Week also featured the ‘Innovation Showcase’, providing an opportunity to introduce new products and solutions that are propelling the industry forward.