The cruise industry and corporate social responsibility

The worldwide boom in the cruise tourism industry represents an opportunity for growth and job creation in the Americas, but at the same time a challenge that must be managed by governments alongside the private sector. Providing a forum for cross-sectorial dialogue and responding to priorities set by port authorities, the Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) co-organized the First Hemispheric Convention on Cruise Tourism and Corporate Social Responsibility from April 8-10, in the city of Mar del Plata, Argentina.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Undersecretary of Ports and Waterways of the Republic of Argentina, and the Entity of Tourism for the city of Mar del Plata, comprising more than 100 participants including delegations from 15 OAS Member States, as well as representatives of the cruise industry and regional entities. During the two days of work, the Convention allowed participants to discuss and exchange their experiences on successful policies, strategies and initiatives on issues of cruise tourism and corporate social responsibility. In addition, it identified established business practices for attracting cruise industry investment, taking into account communities and tourism destinations, as well as practices for environmental protection, and port security.

A recent study presented at the event by the International Association of Cruise Lines (CLIA) shows that, from 2003 to 2013, the global cruise industry increased by 77.3%, going from 12 million to 21.3 million passengers per year. In addition, the industry’s revenue is estimated at $117 billion and generates 900,000 jobs. In this context, port authorities from the OAS Member States recognized the potential of the cruise tourism industry, and the need to encourage corporate social responsibility practices within the CIP Action Plan of Cartagena, approved for the period 2014-2016.

During the event, Undersecretary of Ports and Waterways of Argentina, Horacio Tettamanti, remarked on the “extraordinary importance of this Convention being held here,” adding that "tourism in a city like this, is one of its most essential aspects, and we must strengthen the Port of Mar del Plata with its enormous potential." In this regard, it was noted during the Convention that the first cruise with international tourists will arrive this year in Mar del Plata, thanks to a comprehensive dredging completed in the port.

In addition, the President of Mar del Plata Tourism, Pablo Fernández, said that the presence of the cruise industry’s highest authorities in the continent, encouraged “dialogues and discussions throughout the days of convention, where we have been able to absorb much of the cruise industry’s experiences.”

A wide range of speakers encompassed both the public sector of various countries and international entities like the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), as well as private sector actors through companies like Stericyle and associations such as CLIA and the cruise industry (MSC), just to name a few. This diversity of presentations enriched the dialogue, allowing participants to discern key conclusions on how to position cities as possible cruise destinations, highlighting the importance of gathering the industry’s insights and responding to its needs in terms of port infrastructure, processing, safety and security, while at the same time encouraging corporate social responsibility practices to benefit the local community. 

The CIP-OAS will continue to work on implementing its work plan, which responds to the priorities defined by port authorities of the region, and seeks to contribute to the promotion of more competitive, sustainable, and secure ports in the Americas.