Friday, July 19, 2024 The European head of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise trade body, has issued a warning that its members may need to avoid some of the world’s most famous destinations to protect cruise passengers amid growing backlash against overtourism or mass tourism. The warning comes as several European cities express frustrations over rising tourist numbers and their impact on local ecosystems and the cost of living. Marie-Caroline Laurent, European director of the CLIA, told to the media, “There will be some consideration of adapting the cruise itineraries if for some reason we feel that all passengers will not be well-treated.
” Laurent did not specify which cities might be excluded from future itineraries, but recent protests across the continent hint at potential candidates. Barcelona, Europe’s most popular port for cruise ships , is at the forefront of the overtourism debate. The city’s mayor has stated that Barcelona cannot accommodate more passengers than the 3.
5 million it welcomed in 2023. Despite this, the CLIA defended its presence in the city, noting that cruise passengers accounted for only 4% of Barcelona’s total visitors. Cruise Company Barcelona, Spain Greece Balearic Islands Royal Caribbean International Yes Yes Yes MSC Cruises Yes Yes Yes Norwegian Cruise Line Yes Yes Yes Carnival Cruise Line Yes No No Celebrity Cruises Yes No No Celestyal Cruises No Yes No Princess Cruises No Yes No Seabou.