On October 17, at the Teatret del Serrallo, SOM-INN PORT attended the second conference on the economic and social impact of the blue economy in the field of cruises and yachting.
With the participation of 17 speakers in two round tables and six presentations, the conference highlighted the fundamental role of cruises and yachting in the blue economy and the sector’s involvement in sustainable economic growth and service innovation.
Eduard Rovira, vice president of the Tourist Board of the Tarragona Provincial Council, opened the event by highlighting the value of cruise passengers coming to the city. The first presentation, by Beatriz Orejudo, CEO of Lantimar Group, highlighted the importance of sustainability for shippers after the pandemic. Then, Carmen Fernandez, CEO of Crew Management and Consulting, highlighted the invisible but fundamental task of workers in the sector.
The next presentation, made by Fernando Muñoz Bozzo of the Port Authority of Cartagena, highlighted the successful transformations of other port cities towards more tourism-oriented models and Port-City integration.
During the first round table, on cruises, participants highlighted the sector’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Fernando Pacheco, CEO of Explora Journeys, stressed the importance of harmony between cities and cruises, with technology as a means to reduce pollution, with the horizon that by 2050 this industry will become 100% net. José Luís Gómez, commercial delegate Catalonia of Princess Cruises – Mundomar Cruceros, valued the cooperation with local companies, and Irina Solomatina, director of operations Shorex – BC Tours, highlighted the evolution towards more sustainable land transportation services. Finally, Alba Colet, commercial director of Tarragona Cruise Port, explained the latest developments in the construction of the new cruise terminal at the Baleares dock of the Port of Tarragona.
Round table “Cruises and the blue economy. Socioeconomic and environmental challenges”
The second part of the conference focused on yachting, with Marta Spreafico of Lantimar Yachting highlighting the importance of human treatment with customers: Yacht owners, crew and passengers. The second round table, on the economic and social impact of recreational boating, emphasized innovation, sustainability, and waste management, with outstanding interventions by Rafael Aznar, general manager of D-Marin Spain, and Ana Conesa, MARPOL product manager of TRADEBE.
Round table “Economic and social impact of the recreational boating activity”
The event was closed by the Mayor of Tarragona, Ruben Viñuales, who highlighted the collaboration between the City Council and the Port, stressing that Tarragona was a city of the sea committed to the sustainability of the maritime sector.
Department of Studies and Innovation
18 October 2023
