The working document “Policy Pathways Towards a More Sustainable Cruise Tourism Sector,” led by the Blue Tourism Initiative has been released.
Representing GSTC, Dr. Ioannis Pappas, GSTC Director for the Mediterranean Region, provided valuable insights and feedback on sustainable practices within the cruise industry by reviewing and contributing to the working document. On October 3rd, 2024, Dr. Pappas further shared his expertise as a featured speaker in a webinar presenting the report. There, he engaged with colleagues in an in-depth discussion on the sector’s complex, multidimensional impacts, the governance challenges it faces, and emerging opportunities to drive the industry toward a more sustainable future.
The “Policy Pathways Towards a More Sustainable Cruise Tourism Sector,” provides a detailed overview of the global cruise tourism industry, with a focus on regions such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Western Indian Ocean. Supported by desk research and stakeholder consultations, the report shares updated market data, explores the environmental, social, and economic impacts of cruise tourism, and describes the governance frameworks that shape the industry.
Key challenges are outlined, along with recommended actions to address the gaps in regulatory and governance structures, particularly through enhanced regional cooperation. The report serves as a call to action for policymakers and industry stakeholders, aiming to support a transition to a fairer, more sustainable, and responsible cruise tourism sector worldwide.
- Authors: Giulia Balestracci (Eco-Union), Angelo Sciacca (IDDRI), Jérémie Fosse (Eco-Union), Julien Rochette (IDDRI)
- Coordinator: Angelo Sciacca (IDDRI)
- Contributors & Reviewers: Roberta Milo (Eco-Union), Rosario Galán (IUCN-Med), Dylis McDonald (CANARI), Paul Baraka (CORDIO East Africa), Ioannis Pappas (GSTC), Pascal Viroleau (Vanilla Islands), Arnau Terrisse (Plan Bleu), Chloé Martin (Plan Bleu), Ross A. Klein (Memorial University of Newfoundland), Narendra Ramgulam (Caribbean Tourism Organization)
The “Policy Pathways Towards a More Sustainable Cruise Tourism Sector,” can be downloaded here, and is intended to serve as a resource to inform policies aimed at encouraging environmentally responsible practices.
