In November 2021, after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), AIVP and MedCruise launched a joint Working Group (WG) focused on sustainable port-city relationships and cruises.


Since its creation, the WG, gathering members from both Associations, focused on exchanging good practices and debating new policies and solutions, with the ultimate goal to share knowledge, improve communication and foster dialogue for a balanced relationship between port activities, cruises, and communities.  
 
Background
 
During its first phase (2021-2024), the WG held 13 meetings in which ports, cities, experts and representatives from governments, companies, and organisations discussed the most recent projects and initiatives being developed around the globe.

The main deliverable of the first phase was the publication of the “Cruise Port City Compass”: the document collects good practices for the sustainable growth and development of cruise ports and their communities and suggests what challenges and issues still need to be addressed.

A new phase, a stronger engagement

For its second phase, the WG aims to capitalize the priorities already identified by the members during the first phase, thus pursuing the need for investigating some topics more deeply, reducing the scope and prioritizing guidelines.

To achieve this goal, the WG will focus on two key topics:

  • GOVERNANCE AND CITIZENS’ ENGAGEMENT
    Implications of cruise companies in the social integration of cruises in port cities
  • FLOW MANAGEMENT AND MOBILITY
    Passenger flow management in port cities

A further innovation in the management of the WG is the direct engagement of two external experts, a cruise line and a transport and mobility planning company, who will join the WG meetings and the activities of the group. Their contribution to the activities will facilitate the achievement of common goals and deliverables.

The action plan will be as follows:

  • 2 virtual meetings (one in spring and one in autumn)
  • 1 physical meeting (in early 2026)
  • 1 capitalization event during the Seatrade Cruise Global (April 2026)

The language of the WG is English. Each virtual meeting has a duration of 1h 30 m.

Participants and new joiners

A core group of 25 members from both organizations has participated in the WG since its very beginning.

This second phase is also an opportunity for:

  • confirming your engagement in the WG
  • joining the WG as new members (associates of MedCruise and AIVP can apply) *

*Please consider that the WG can have up to a maximum of 30 members, so places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

AIVP members wishing to confirm their participation in the WG or interested in joining the group should fill the following form until the 2nd May 2025:

Cruises & Port Cities Working Group – Call for Applications

For any additional questions, please write to jsanchez@aivp.org