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The 2007 Mediterranean cruising market - forecast presented by Sergio Senesi, President Cemar, at Seatrade of Naples 2006
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The 2007 Mediterranean cruising market - forecast presented by Sergio Senesi, President Cemar, at Seatrade of Naples 2006
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The 2007 Mediterranean cruising market - forecast presented by Sergio Senesi, President Cemar, at Seatrade of Naples 2006
The Mediterranean cruise market is going through a fast and fundamental change, registering a high level growth, which makes it the quickest expanding field in the tourism business. Two signs that confirm this statement are : 13.4 million passengers have taken a cruise in the year 2005 and the forecast of nearly 30 new units to be delivered within 2008, a clear pointer of increase and interest of cruising companies. Many European ports have initiated a process of restructuring to support the market's growth and accommodate the new generation cruising vessels. Approximately 7.250.000 passengers will transit through Italian ports in 2007 for a total of over 3,870 calls (2006 will close with 5,940,000 passengers and 3,940 calls). Passenger cruising movements during the winter season has doubled in the last four years. Italy has confirmed its pole position as first Mediterranean cruising destination, with nearly 1,500,000 forecasted at Civitavecchia, Italy can compete against Barcelona. According to the prediction of Sergio Senesi, President of Cemar, after last year's high increase (+15.4%) there will be a leap in passenger movement in 2007, a growth of 22.05% compared to 2006. "This is a data of high bearing and great satisfaction for all workforce, but it is also an alarm if the ports prove they are not able to counterbalance the expanding demand of the market", said Mr. Senesi. Another important data is the slight downfall in the number of calls, about -1.77%, which clearly indicates the elevated offer of higher volume vessels.  Costa Crociere, with it's new flag ship Costa Concordia and MSC Crociere with the new MSC Musica, both entered the market in 2006, are a clear example. The big American groups, with a considerable representation in the Med, should also be taken into consideration : Carnival group (Costa Crociere, Carnival Cruise Line, Aida Cruises, Holland American Line, Cunard, Princess, P&O, Swan Hellenic, Windstar Cruises, Seabourn and Ocean Village) move approximately 3,550,000 passengers in Italy whereas RCC group (Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Island Cruises move approximately 1,650,000 passengers, 22.6%). In the last three years the big Italian ports have mostly benefited from passenger movements, Livorno (670,000), Naples (1,100,000), Civitavecchia (1,460,000), Palermo (440,000), Venice (1,100,000), Messina (260,000), Bari (280,000), Genova (380,000) and Savona (700,000). From a logistical and structural point of view not all these ports will be able to manage and sustain a high passenger movement, this is the reason why a new political valuation is necessary in this area, programming calls on the basis of actual possibilities. It is necessary to create an instrument that coordinates and monitors the booking of piers with precision, a relatively easy task using modern technology and internet. It could be a solution to overcome structural limits linked to piers and shore side services. River cruising also has a growing tendency over the last few years, in high expansion all over Europe. River cruising offers a variety of nature, cultural, vineyard, gastronomy and theme itineraries. Excellent vessels, outstanding service, first-rate cuisine and guest satisfaction. The itineraries are along 18 rivers to discover at least 12 European countries with an extremely favourable quality/cost ratio. With over 60 vessels navigating along the main European rivers the river cruising segment moves about 450,000 passengers each year, with an increasing percentage of Italians. Some of the leading companies are : CroisiEurope, with the most modern fleet it holds 35% of the market (150,000 passengers in 2005, 25 vessels, 30 years of experience) followed by Viking River Cruises, Seetours, Peter Deilmann. At the moment CroisiEurope is the only company that cruises on the river Po from Venice to Cremona with the M/S Michelangelo. The depth of river Po makes it difficult to navigate for some types of vessels, a territorial and structural policy would be advisable. About Cemar Cemar Agency Network - cruising department celebrates it's 20 years of activity. Born as a company dedicated to assistance to big yachts, today it is dedicated to the assistance of cruising vessels and represents some of the main worldwide cruising companies. (Research based on data by Cemar - Sergio Senesi) (Source: Cemar Agency Network) |
