TUI Cruises and CMP Lead the Charge in Sustainability with Their Inaugural Event in Gotland

TUI Cruises together with Copenhagen Malmö Port (CMP) organized the inaugural TUI Cruises Gotland Day on August 19, 2024, on the newly inaugurated The Mein Schiff 7 in Visby, Gotland.

The purpose of the gathering was to foster discussions on sustainable development which included the participation of local government officials, port authorities, destination influencers, and cruise industry representatives who collaborated in exchanging insights and effective practices, according to an official release.

“It was quite encouraging to participate and witness how the construction of future cruise vessels is steering towards sustainability,” commented Erik Ohrn, CEO of Gotland Business and Tourism Association. “It is crucial that we accelerate the enhancement of our tour offerings and infrastructure to align with these emerging advancements.”

The session involved lectures by key industry figures such as Marcus Puttich, TUI Cruises’ Director of Destinations, Jonathan Hawkings, Royal Caribbean Group’s Director of Government Relations for the UK & Nordics, and Luis de Carvalho, CMP’s Cruise Commercial Director.

These presentations led to a series of question and answer rounds that opened for broader conversations on environmental strategies and managing tourist flows in Gotland.

“The continued expansion of the cruise sector necessitates a united effort among cruise firms, port authorities, and destination managers to pinpoint obstacles and jointly develop actionable strategies and solutions that could be implemented presently and sustained over time,” noted de Carvalho.

An exclusive highlight was the behind-the-scenes exploration of the Mein Schiff 7, allowing attendees to tour areas like the engine room, waste processing facilities, the bridge, and public spaces.

This tour provided a unique chance for the attendees to interact with the ship’s officers, crew, and personnel to discuss various operational and ecological issues.

Notably, the Mein Schiff 7 stands out as the first cruise ship engineered to operate on methanol.