17-18 January 2008, Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, Malta
The current scope and future potential for winter cruising
Introduction
Winter cruising is now a mainstream product. The number of ships deployed in the Mediterranean outside the traditional summer season is growing. MedCruise has been working with the cruise industry to encourage this trend.
There are many other examples around the world of deployments that break out of the familiar seasonal pattern, such as year round cruising out of New York to the Bahamas/Caribbean and Christmas programmes to the northern European capitals.
Winter cruising represents a major opportunity:
- For cruise lines to address their seasonality challenge and boost yields,
- For destinations and ports to extend their seasons,
- For retail agents to sell a new and exciting alternative product,
- And above all for consumers who want to enjoy a winter break at sea, and visit marquis attractions at a time of year when visitor numbers are smaller and temperatures are more moderate
Malta, at the epicentre of many winter cruise itineraries, will be the location for the first Seatrade Winter Cruising Forum, bringing together a cross section of the stake holders in this still new cruise concept to discuss how its huge potential can be realised.
Malta’s rich history has bequeathed the island with a special legacy. Malta is a unique English speaking nation at the southernmost tip of Europe where time honoured tradition and modernity live comfortably side-by-side.
The convention will take place in the impressive Mediterranean Conference Centre which was created through the restoration of the Sacra Infermeria or Holy Infirmary of the Order of the Knights or St. John and lies in the islands 16th century capital, Valletta.
The event will consist of:
- One and a half day conference
- Half-day winter cruising workshop for participating destinations. For more information click here
All of this and a full and lively social programme in the outstandingly appealing environment of one of the Mediterranean’s most popular cruise destinations.
