continues to grow from strength to strength, with a growing number of cruise lines adding these itineraries to their programmes. As well as the promise of more moderate temperatures, the other key appeal for travellers is the reduced number of tourists at key visitor attractions in the Mediterranean region. Seasonal cruising is a worldwide trend, with the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Asia all year-round destinations.
Winter cruising in Norway and Christmas markets in Northern Europe is attracting growing numbers of new to cruise and seasoned travellers alike, whilst the Middle East is a firmly established winter cruising arena. However, the concept is not without challenges; comprehensive itinerary planning and in some regions, weatherproof shorex options are essential, but as more ports and destinations expand their winter product offering and more ships are deployed year-round regionally, there is scope for further growth. The 2015 Seatrade Winter Cruising Forum in Cartagena will bring together ports, tourism authorities and other cruise industry stakeholders for an informative conference to discuss strategies for additional deployment of cruise vessels to the region.
There will be a strong focus on the entire Mediterranean and its adjoining seas, as well as presenting to the cruise operators an overall view of the facilities and attractions Cartagena and the Region of Murcia offer to the cruise passengers as an all-the-year-round destination. In addition, there will be discussions on the development of winter cruise itineraries for destinations further afield and lessons learnt so far.
The forum will also feature a dedicated workshop on the Mediterranean, focusing on both the success stories and the issues confronting the region as it continues to lead the way as an year-round cruise arena. Following tailored conference sessions, the workshop will give regional destinations an opportunity to present their product and services to the cruise lines in one-on-one pre-scheduled meetings.
