Ecological impact of cruises on conference agenda

 

 

Reducing the ecological impact of cruise ships is among the topics to be debated at a UK cruise conference in February.

 

The International Cruise Conference takes place at the University of Plymouth on February 18-20. 

Conference chair Dr Philip Gibson said: "There are few opportunities to attend a focused cruise industry research conference.

 

"Contributors from across the world will be addressing a broad range of issues, including cruise tourism; cruise destination management; education, employment and training; product development; cruise operations; and safety, sustainability and the environment." 

Keynote speakers include Douglas Ward, author of the Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, who will talk about the development of the cruise industry over the past 40 years.

Professor Ross Dowling from Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, will address the customer cruise experience in remote locations.

Neil Martin of P&O Cruises will address how to succeed in the current competitive and turbulent trading conditions, and Bob Harrison, Destination SW UK, will share insight and advice into how to set up a cruise destination management organisation.

There will also be master classes designed to showcase work in the industry and share practical skills. These include developing trainee management programmes; an analysis of fine dining; industry occupational standards and professional development; and challenges of logistics in sourcing and supply.

The university runs the only BSc(Hons) programme in cruise management in the UK, and students from the course will be involved in organising the event.

The inaugural conference was held in 2008 at the university’s partner institution in Bremerhaven, Germany.