The topics for this year`s conference at Seatrade Med (3-5 November 2004 at Fiera di Genova in Italy) have been confirmed…
The topics for this year`s conference at Seatrade Med (3-5 November 2004 at Fiera di Genova in Italy) have been confirmed.
The conference is designed as a launch platform for stimulating and challenging debate, and will focus on the following themes:
Mediterranean Cruise Forum (Wednesday 3 November, a.m.)
The opinions of leading industry players on the commercial environment for cruise operators in the Med, looking at demand, yields, capacity deployed, sourcing of passengers, and, for Europe`s shipbuilders, the outlook for new construction.
Mediterranean Ferry Forum (Wednesday 3 November, p.m.)
A panel of ferry industry experts will discuss a range of issues, including short sea shipping as a solution to highway congestion and competition and consolidation in the Med.
Cruise Terminal Development (Wednesday 3 November, p.m.)
Will Costa`s investment in Savona`s Palacrociere be the first of a series of cruise line terminal investments in the Med? Finance for terminal projects. Terminal ownership and privatisation. Terminal design and developing alternative revenue streams for terminal facilities.
Winter Cruising In The Med (Thursday 4 November, a.m.)
Year round cruising in the Mediterranean is now a reality rather than an aspiration. How far can this idea be taken and what are the optimum winter itineraries to maximise passenger comfort and interest? What is the market for these products and how far is the distribution network geared up to sell them?
Design And Refurbishment (Thursday 4 November, a.m.)
The upgrading of cruise vessels and passenger ferries is already big business and will soon get bigger. This session will look at the vast diversity of projects, the likely volume and nature of future demand and what this means from the perspective of yards, designers, contractors and supplier on the one hand and the lines and operators on the other.
Cruise Product Development (Thursday 4 November, p.m.)
Product distribution: Europe is not one but many markets. How should it best be approached by the lines?
The air/sea relationship and the potential for improved cooperation between airlines and cruise lines to develop new markets. The role of budget airlines in European air/sea markets.
Branding: The scope for cruise lines to work with major European brands to enhance their product offering.
Security (Thursday 4 November, p.m.)
A review of marine security levels in the Mediterranean, focussing on port and terminal development and ferry and cruise operators following the ISPS deadline on 1 July.
The Cruise Industry And The Community (Friday 5 November, a.m.)
As cruise tourism acquires critical mass in Europe, what is its economic impact on the countries and communities it serves? The regulatory environment for cruising in Europe and the initiative for the formation of a European cruise line association, the European Cruise Council.
On Board Revenue Streams For Ferries (Friday 5 November, a.m.)
Dining, retail and entertainment opportunities as revenue sources. Can the ferry industry learn lessons from the cruise lines in expanding on board revenue spend?
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
