Brussels, 26/08/2014 (Agence Europe) - In June, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) confirmed that Europe dominates the cruise market, as well as the shipbuilding sector (see EUROPE 11102). Six million passengers (five million of them European) set off on cruises from European ports in 2013, an increase of 5.2% compared to 2012. Robert Ashdown, Secretary General of the Association, set out the reasons for this success, which offers a vital boost to the European economy (interview by MD).
(Agence Europe): To what do you attribute the fact that the cruise sector remains so resilient through the crisis?
Robert Ashdown: What we've seen is the cruise shipping products developing in the last few years. So there is really now a ship and a cruise for everybody. Particularly here in Europe, we have over 250 different cruises. It really means that it is a fantastic holiday, but also offers value for money and the level of customer service makes this a very special experience. Of course, it is also linked to the fact that our market penetration base is very low.
Europe is also a leader in the naval industry. Why and how can this status be maintained?
The cruise ship building sector is exceptionally sophisticated and technologically advanced. It requires a lot of specialist skills and sophisticated technologies in areas such as navigation and internal decoration. Of course Europe has long been a leader in that sort of embarked shipbuilding technology. There are at the moment between 24 and 27 ships that are being built in yards across Europe. Having said that, we of course have seen the shift to Asia, and there is no reason why Asia can't deliver a cruise ship. The question is whether they can do it with the same standards, the same budget, etc. There is also no reason why Europe shouldn't continue to be a market leader in the future, if Europe remains competitive and the regulatory framework around the building and financing remains also competitive.
On the eve of a new Commission, what are your recommendations to the legislators?
We are a highly regulated industry and also a highly globalised industry. Where the European Commission plays an important role is in harmonising the enforcement of the regulations, making sure the member states adopt and enforce these regulations. We would like to see the regulators giving their priorities to a couple of areas, such as shipping or tourism. We need to facilitate tourism in Europe and to make it much easier for third-party countries, like India or China, to come here and enjoy the destinations. The travel package directive must give a legal certainty both for passengers and others active in this area. In terms of employment and social affairs, it is to make sure that the regulators understand the unique nature of the sailor's job. (MD)