February, 6 2016 – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) hosted along with the Maltese Presidency of the EU Council an innovative workshop discuss how improved port and destination infrastructure can help grow cruising in Europe. The workshop entitled “Growing European cruising: improving infrastructure adequacy for a sustainable and competitive maritime transport” brought together over 90 decision makers, stakeholders as well as key players from cruise lines, ports and destinations to discuss the infrastructural challenges that the maritime community faces, particularly in terms of land connectivity, sustainability and the environment. During the Workshop building a sustainable maritime economy with both regulatory and legislative challenges was discussed and CLIA calls on the European authorities to work with the cruise industry moving forward. The second half of the workshop focussed on operational challenges the cruise industry faces where the ever changing technical and logistical situation makes difficulties for effective port operations. Commenting on the discussions and the outcomes of the workshop, Tom Fecke Secretary General of CLIA Europe stated: “Today has seen a great sharing of expertise and knowledge with the sole purpose of addressing the challenges the cruise industry faces today in Europe. We hope the decision makers present as well as our key stakeholders will take away the learnings from today and work with us to provide effective solutions to the challenges we face.”