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Clia members heighten security measures

Clia cruise line members are increasing safety measures in all European regions, particularly in the popular Mediterranean region.

The disclosure came as the cruise industry trade body forecast continued growth for the cruise industry in Europe, in spite of current global economic austerity.

The association said progress is being made on safety and “ever-changing environments”.

Cruise lines have the flexibility to alter itineraries and avoid specific ports and destinations to maximise the security and safety of passengers and crew.

“Lines work closely with security experts and authorities to constantly re-assess these risks. The ability to continue growing in Europe will also depend on its safety and security,” Clia said.

This comes against a backdrop of many cruise companies dropping calls to Turkey this year following terrorist attacks in Istanbul.

Cruise passengers on shore excursions were also targeted in an attack on the Bardo National Museum in Tunis which left 21 people dead in March last year.

Clia Europe chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, told the Madrid international cruise summit last week: “Cruising is here to stay as it continues to attract more Europeans and generate economic growth.

“While the cruise industry is ready to continue to expand in Europe, we face a number of common challenges that need to be addressed to make sure the cruise industry is on the right track. We are attentive to that.”

Clia is working to encourage visa reforms to encourage more foreign visitors to Europe and is looking for a more consistent approach to environmental rules and port reform “to avoid creating operational barriers” in European waters.

A total of 123 cruise ships from 39 cruise lines operated in Europe last year carrying 6.6 million passengers, an increase of 3% on 2014.

As more cruise ships are expected to be delivered to European lines, the cruise market will continue to expand beyond 2016.

Europe’s shipyards have 48 orders for ships to be delivered by 2019 to international cruise lines and 75 by 2026, according to Clia.

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