Five European port and destination cruise associations have announced a strategic alliance, marking a significant step forward in regional and international collaboration, focussed on developing sustainable solutions to tourism and environmental challenges.

Cruise Baltic, Cruise Britain, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway and MedCruise bring more than 400 ports, destinations and industry service providers into a collaborative new initiative, designed to support the continuing sustainable development of the European cruise industry.

Falmouth Harbour is a member of Cruise Britain, with A&P Falmouth a member port of Cruise Europe.

As leaders in the European cruise port community, the associations recognise the importance of working together to create innovative and sustainable solutions that ensure the long-term viability of European ports and destinations while protecting the environments and communities that are key to cruise tourism.

The alliance will initially focus on two primary areas that together can support the creation of a model of sustainable tourism.

• Developing strategies to better manage the flow of cruise passengers in popular destinations, ensuring that cruise tourism remains a positive force for local economies and cultures while minimising pressure on infrastructure and ecosystems.

• Sharing best practices on the adoption of greener technologies such as shore power, alternative fuels and waste management solutions, that can further reduce the environmental footprint of cruise tourism.