29 May 2025 – The AIVP – MedCruise Working Group on Cruises and Port Cities held the first meeting of its second phase on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, reaffirming the shared commitment of port cities and cruise stakeholders to fostering sustainable and inclusive dialogue. The meeting was conducted in a virtual format and was jointly steered by Laura Cimaglia, Vice-President of MedCruise, and José M P Sánchez, Director of the Agenda 2030 of AIVP.
Participants were welcomed by Theodora Riga, President of MedCruise, who highlighted the significance of this new phase and the collective responsibility of the cruise and port city community to strengthen cooperation. The meeting also counted on the presence of Francesca Morucci, Secretary General of AIVP.
The agenda of this inaugural session focused on establishing the framework for the activities ahead. The coordinators briefly presented the roadmap for the second phase, outlining the thematic priorities and collaborative opportunities designed to guide the group’s work in the coming months.
A central feature of the meeting was the intervention of Jon Olav Stedje, Manager of Sustainability and Community Engagement at MSC Cruises, who joined as a guest speaker. His presentation offered valuable insights into governance and citizens’ engagement, emphasizing the role cruise operators can play in fostering stronger integration of cruise activities within the social and cultural fabric of host communities. His contribution sparked a meaningful debate among attendees, enriching the dialogue with diverse experiences and perspectives.
The meeting concluded with a preview of the next session, presented by Alessandro Vacca, Partner and Senior Transport and Urban Planner at Systematica, who introduced upcoming topics related to urban mobility and the port-city interface.
The next online meeting of the Working Group is scheduled for early autumn 2025, and a physical workshop is foreseen for early 2026, offering members the opportunity to deepen discussions and strengthen collaboration through in-person engagement.
About the Working Group
The AIVP – MedCruise Working Group on Cruises and Port Cities is a joint initiative launched in 2021 by MedCruise (The Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports) and AIVP (Association Internationale Villes et Ports). The group brings together representatives from port cities, cruise ports, and cruise operators to address shared challenges and promote sustainable strategies. Through regular exchanges, the Working Group aims to enhance the positive impact of cruise activities while fostering stronger integration with local communities and urban environments.
