MSC Cruises chief outlines Palma strategy and environmental measures
Fernando Pacheco says advance itinerary planning, local dialogue and onboard technology can help address tourism pressures in the Balearic Islands.
Fernando Pacheco, chief executive of MSC Cruises since 2018, has outlined the company’s approach to cruise operations in Palma. MSC Cruises is described as the world’s third-largest cruise operator and the largest in Europe.
Pacheco said Palma is important to MSC Cruises as both an embarkation port and a port of call. According to him, passengers support local activity by using transportation, visiting attractions, shopping and dining. Some travelers also stay before or after their cruise, generating business for hotels and other tourism services.
He said concerns raised by residents should be addressed respectfully through discussions involving local authorities, businesses and communities. Pacheco also noted that itineraries are generally prepared years ahead, giving destinations time to plan for scheduled ship visits.
According to Pacheco, a memorandum of understanding between the Balearic Government and cruise operators places daily limits on ship numbers and contains environmental provisions, including restrictions on water supplies during droughts. He said MSC World Europa and MSC Grandiosa can use onboard desalination systems to produce fresh water and reduce reliance on local resources.
Pacheco added that MSC Cruises is investing in more efficient vessels, emissions-reduction technology and alternative fuels as it pursues its stated ambition of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from maritime operations by 2050.
