Community value: from port to city

Eva Britt Kornfeldt, manager Oslo Cruise Partners and Svalbard Cruise Forum (SCF), shared some of her experiences on this subject. In particular she mentioned the SCF, which was established in 2023, and puts its efforts into shared responsibility and continuous dialogue with stakeholders. She also mentioned that a pre-season mandatory meeting of the 150 participants is held for those visiting Svalbard about eco-sensitivity and mandatory rules of engagement.

Melanie Lewis, director shore excursions & product development at Holland America Group, shares some top tips about what is gaining traction in terms of excursions: meet the makers; community connections/social sustainability; and urban explorer, for example sharing a day with a local.

At MSC Cruises, manager community engagement and sustainability, Jon Olav Stedje, highlighted the importance of making sure there is dialogue between the cruiseline and the destination but also in the port/destination itself.

He made a request: "We need to have a proactive approach and help where it is needed. Bookings are made so far ahead, so use the time wisely to make it the best you can. We are here to help".

Ceo of Visit Reykjavik, Inga Hlin Palsdottir confirmed that the cruise industry can be unfairly targeted and was keen to highlight the need to "build bridges by having meetings so that everyone can see what is happening", adding that supplying data and being seen as part of the visitor community, not separately, is important in this respect. She also made the valid point that: "The satisfaction rate of the residents is also important."

Stedje concluded: "There are a lot of false perceptions about our industry. Once again, this goes back to communication in the industry and in the destination to be able to [provide] answers."