MSC Cruises highlights destination partnerships and visitor management measures
Syros, the Canary Islands, Dubrovnik and Mykonos feature in initiatives intended to distribute cruise visitors and manage capacity.
MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said passengers have praised Syros for its authenticity and cultural heritage since the Greek island was added to the company’s itineraries. He attributed guests’ experience of those qualities to the knowledge and insight of local guides.
Onorato also said MSC Cruises would continue working with local authorities in the Canary Islands during the winter to take guests farther inland. The collaboration includes visits to the villages of Garachico, Betancuria, Teguise and Tejeda.
A report on cruise destination management highlighted measures in Dubrovnik and Mykonos. According to the report, Dubrovnik’s programme known as Respect the City uses digital data and street signs to recommend times for visiting popular attractions and help people move through the historic old town.
The report said Mykonos has implemented a digital berthing system to monitor and manage cruise traffic, helping to support a more balanced distribution of visitors. It also said cruise operators plan itineraries as much as two years in advance, providing destinations with time to anticipate demand and manage capacity.