The sixth Seatrade Mediterranean Cruise & Ferry Convention will take place …
The sixth Seatrade Mediterranean Cruise & Ferry Convention will take place in Naples, at The Maritime Station, from 18-20 October 2006.
Following five successful events from 1996 to 2004, Seatrade Med will move in 2006 to a new venue.
Seatrade Med in 2006 will once again include a major conference on the development of cruise tourism throughout the Mediterranean, and on the highly sophisticated ferry industry that now serves the region. Naples, in addition to being a key feature of top cruise itineraries, is the second busiest port city in the region for ferry business.
A major exhibition of products and services for the cruise and ferry industries will run parallel to the conference, and travel agents from throughout Europe will be invited to attend a complimentary symposium on maximising cruise and ferry product sales.
The president of the Port of Naples, Francesco Nerli, comments, “We are delighted that Naples has been chosen to host the 2006 edition of Seatrade Med, one of the world`s leading cruise events.”
He continues, “This is important for our city and port as it represents our growing achievements and successful business planning.”
“Between 2000 and 2004, the Port of Naples registered increased cruise traffic of 90.4%, to 773,000 passengers. We forecast 850,000 by the end of this year. In the same period, ferry traffic grew by 43% with a total of 944,000 passengers,” Nerli advises.
The decision to take the event to a new venue in 2006 was taken in response to requests by exhibitors and delegates that the show should demonstrate the tremendous diversity of the Mediterranean, as a destination, by showcasing a new venue.
Chris Hayman, Managing Director of the show`s management company, Seatrade, says: “The Mediterranean is an incredibly varied cruising ground. This decision will enable attendees to see and become familiar with a succession of its most spectacular port cities.”
Hayman adds, “Of course, we are sad to be leaving Genoa, which has been a magnificent home for the show. We express our sincere thanks to the port and the city.”
Seatrade Mediterranean Cruise & Ferry Convention is owned by CMP Asia Limited.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
