Italy's Booming Cruise Industry: A Beacon of Growth and Recovery

Thirteen million passengers, with a growing trend and the crisis of the pandemic period definitively behind. These are the numbers of the world of cruises that sees Italy as a protagonist at the European and global level and not only because some top players in the sector have strong roots in our territories but also because the Belpaese remains one of the strongest destinations of high-level global tourism. The numbers are those of the latest 2023 Tourism Responses report and are confirmed by both companies and trade associations, such as Clia, which last November stated through its president: "The prospects are excellent especially for Italy, which is the first destination country and also the one where there is the greatest economic impact of cruises, with 15 billion out of the 60 generated in Europe." Putting these data in context to the city of Naples, we talk about an increase compared to 2022 of +3.9% of passengers and +2.7 percent of ship calls in 2023 with an increasing trend. The importance of the Italian cruise system and how such numbers and values can translate into a wealth and growth driver for the entire country system will be discussed at the next interclub event of the Neapolitan Rotary clubs. The conversation will feature Leonardo Massa as the protagonist. Fresh from his appointment as Vice President Southern Europe of the MSC Group's Cruise Division, Massa has moved from the Olympics (he is a former rowing athlete) to the world of cruises with a commendable career all spent at MSC (from commercial manager to Managing Director Italy through other roles of great responsibility). The event is promoted by the Rotary Club Napoli Ovest chaired by Vera Gallo together with the clubs Napoli Est, Napoli Sant'Elmo, and Napoli Chiaja. The coordinator of the Partenopean group of Rotary clubs and president of the Rotary Club Napoli Est Angelo Coviello and the presidents Paolo Manieri (Napoli Chiaja) and Marcello Picone (Napoli Sant'Elmo) will participate. The meeting follows a few weeks after the convivial with spouse that focused on the Campanian port system where Rotary members had the opportunity to interact with the President of the Port System Authority of the Central Tyrrhenian Sea, Andrea Annunziata, and the Admiral Inspector Pietro Giuseppe Vella, Maritime Director of Campania. "A demonstration," explains Angelo Coviello, "of how the Neapolitan Rotary clubs look at the sea with great attention in their work. We are a city of the sea, and we look at the sea as an opportunity for exchange and knowledge. We can say that being historically a port, with all that it entails, makes the work of the Neapolitan Rotary clubs deeply marked by the sea." "We are thrilled to promote such an important dialogue on the crucial role of cruises in the Italian economy," echoes Vera Gallo. Who adds: "As a Rotary Club, we recognize the importance of exploiting marine resources sustainably for the benefit of the entire community. The event will be a valuable opportunity to explore this topic together with industry experts and members of our community." The event "Italian Cruiseliners as a Development Driver for Italy's System" will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 8:00 PM. It will be hosted by Napoli Hub (Viale Riviera di Chiaia 9A). Seats reserved for participating club members by reservation.