Saturday, August 3, 2024 ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR, an EU co-funded initiative, is making significant strides in transforming the cruise industry into a more sustainable sector in the West Mediterranean. The project has launched an exceptional training programme designed to equip key players in the cruise industry with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead sustainable practices. This CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMME offers two comprehensive, free online courses: a 25-hour Training Programme for employees in the cruise sector and its supply chain, including SMEs, and a 10-hour Masterclass series for executive staff and managers in both public and private organizations overseeing maritime and coastal tourism.
Developed and delivered by the Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute, a renowned international centre of excellence for marine and maritime research, the CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMME focuses on marine and tourism-related policies, actions, and digital competencies. It covers crucial topics such as sustainability standards, environmental awareness, crisis and emergency management, transport and traffic control, and green skills. The programme aims not only to highlight the negative environmental impacts of the cruise industry but also to drive positive change and contribute to a greener tourism sector in the West Mediterranean.
Dr. Anastasios Hovardas, a Senior Associate Scientist at the Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute, emphasizes the programme’s goal: “The main objective is to provide trainees with the necessary information to foster a green transition, understand relevant terminology, and apply good practices. Small-scale assignments in all modules allow trainees to apply new knowledge to practical tasks.
” The Masterclass series targets cruise and tourism companies, public and private organizations overseeing maritime and coastal tourism management, Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), and National Tourism Boards. Dr. Hovardas notes, “The masterclasses provide advanced knowledge for executives and managers to facilitate the green transition in their businesses.
Trainees will also conduct a SWOT analysis for their organizations and create a strategic roadmap for a green transition based on best practices in the cruise tourism sector.” The launch of the programme coincides with renewed discussions on the environmental footprint of the cruise industry. While the sector has made significant efforts towards sustainability, such as reducing emissions, conserving water, and eliminating single-use plastics, there is still much work to be done.
The complexity of the Mediterranean region requires collaborative solutions and the involvement of all key industry players to unlock new business opportunities in the emerging eco-cruise tourism sector..
