| CLIA sustainability support

CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) & the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) have joined forces with the Greek ports of Corfu and Heraklion, in Crete, on sustainable tourism initiatives.

Leaders in both destinations will oversee assessments co-funded by CLIA and conducted by GSTC to map out a plan for a future of sustainable tourism.

The assessments will provide benchmark data and explore the balanced development of tourism in the destinations.

Beginning now and spanning across five months, the assessments will include an initial preparatory phase of research and data compilation, a second phase of on-site assessment and stakeholder engagement, and a final phase of analysis and report.

CLIA President & Chief Exec Kelly Craighead said city leadership in Corfu and Heraklion was to be commended for mapping a sustainable future for the benefit of both residents and visitors.

“The cruise industry is dedicated to sustainability and our experience supporting previous sustainability assessments has shown what can be achieved when city leaders, local communities, and industry work together towards a common goal,” she said.

“While we may only be a small part of the tourism sector, we want to play a big part in helping to preserve the heritage and environment of the world’s favourite destinations.”

Heraklion (pictured) Mayor Vassilis Lambrinos said his city was responding to the challenges it was being faced with through the “bold” self-assessment.

“We are cooperating with CLIA on this initiative and we anticipate that, with the knowledge and support of GSTC, new perspectives will be opened for Heraklion as a tourist destination as well as further development of cruise tourism, while respecting sustainability principles,” he said.