Cruise ships reconsider itineraries in light of violent demonstrations in Spain

18-07-24

Cruise tourism, a key industry for many local economies, is in a time of evaluation and adjustment. In the wake of growing demonstrations against mass tourism in various Spanish destinations, cruise operators are considering modifying their routes to ensure the safety of both passengers and crew. The move comes in response to recent violent protests, according to Marie-Caroline Laurent, European director of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

On July 12, hundreds of people marched from the Plaça de la Porta Pintada to the Llotja de Palma in Palma de Mallorca to express their discontent with mass tourism on the island. These demonstrations have highlighted the growing tension between residents and tourists, especially in the summer months when visitor numbers peak. On several occasions, protests have escalated into episodes of violence, prompting authorities and cruise lines to consider stricter measures.

Marie-Caroline Laurent stressed during a briefing the importance of not underestimating the direct impact of violent unrest on the tourism sector. She noted that, in France, there have been cases where small groups of people attacked cruise ship passengers, forcing companies to suspend their activities in those affected areas. “It should not be underestimated that there is a direct impact of riots or some of the demonstrations, but especially those that are violent,” Laurent said, stressing the damage these events can cause to both tourists and local communities.

CLIA Spain general director Alfredo Serrano reinforced this stance by pointing out the need to invest in infrastructure and tourism promotion to increase the attractiveness of destinations and mitigate the negative impact of protests. “Companies are already making efforts by scheduling cruises in places in Spain such as La Coruña, Alicante, Almería, Cádiz, Bilbao, Cartagena, Ceuta or Ferrol,” added Serrano. This diversification of destinations seeks not only to disperse the influx of tourists, but also to promote regions that can benefit economically from cruise tourism.

In addition to destination diversification, investment in infrastructure is crucial to manage the flow of tourists in a sustainable manner. Modernizing ports and improving tourism services can contribute to a more satisfactory experience for visitors and reduce tensions with local residents.

Virginia Messina, senior vice president of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), brought a global perspective to the discussion, highlighting the growing global tourism offer and the emergence of new emerging powers such as Saudi Arabia and Oman, which have invested millions in their tourism sectors. “There is much greater choice for tourists and where they are not welcome there are many other places where they can travel,” Messina said. This increased competition in the global tourism market means that traditional destinations must work harder to remain attractive and hospitable.

For Messina, the dissatisfaction of local residents in popular tourist destinations is largely due to the lack of an effective governance structure at the local level. He called on politicians to engage in constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to identify and address pressure points in the tourism sector. “Effective governance and proper urban planning can alleviate many of the current tensions,” Messina suggested.

The possibility of cruise lines modifying their itineraries in response to violent demonstrations reflects a growing concern for the safety and sustainability of tourism. Investments in infrastructure and destination diversification are important steps to mitigate the negative impacts of mass tourism. At the same time, cooperation and dialogue between local stakeholders and tour operators are essential to develop sustainable solutions that benefit both residents and visitors.

The cruise industry faces a complex challenge: balancing the economic growth that tourism brings with the need to maintain peace and contentment in local communities. As tensions rise, it is imperative that all parties work together to find a way forward that allows for sustainable and harmonious tourism.