‘A one-size-fits-all approach cannot be applied to sustainable tourism’ – GPH COO Stephen Xuereb

Stephen Xuereb, Chief Operating Officer at Global Ports Holding (GPH), recently affirmed that sustainable tourism cannot be tackled through a “one-size-fits-all approach,” with more diverse measures required.

Mr Xuereb, who is also a Board Member at the Malta Maritime Forum (MMF) and CEO at Valletta Cruise Port plc, was speaking as he participated in the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) European Summit in Genoa last week. CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, acting as a unified voice and authority of the global cruise community.

This year’s conference focused on decarbonisation in the cruise industry, with specific panel discussions on special marine protected areas, net-zero technologies, strategies to reduce methane slip in maritime LNG fuel, and the impact of the EU and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations on shipbuilding decisions.

Speaking during a panel discussion titled “Management of Cruise Tourism in Destinations and Deployment of Best Practice,” Mr Xuereb stressed the importance of offering tailored solutions for each destination.

He highlighted that at GPH, it is acknowledged that a “one-size-fits-all approach cannot be applied to sustainable tourism.”

Instead of this, he affirmed that a diverse range of initiatives must be implemented across different ports worldwide, “addressing unique challenges and opportunities in each location.”

The panel discussion took stock of the progress made and remaining challenges in the implementation of sustainable tourism recommendations, and was moderated by CLIA Director of Public Affairs Martyn Griffiths.

During the four-day conference, there were also addresses by MSC Cruises Executive Chair Pierfrancesco Vago, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Harry Sommer, Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein, Deputy Shipping Minister for Cyprus Marina Hadjimanolis, Minister for Maritime Affairs of Italy Nello Musumeci, and Deputy Minister for Transport of Italy Edoardo Rixi.