The Port of Thessaloniki recently welcomed participants of the second working meeting for the European Interreg Euro-MED project named "Port-City Regions To Wave Med Cruise Destinations As Smart, Sustainable And Striking Eco-Tourism Systems" (PortCREW). The project aims to create innovative, sustainable, and appealing management systems for cruise operations at five Mediterranean ports: Ravenna, Koper, Valencia, Toulon, and Thessaloniki. With the intention to enhance eco-tourism in these regions, it brings together various stakeholders to collaborate effectively on sustainable initiatives that benefit both local economies and tourist experiences.

Among the Greek participants is the Greek Institute of Transport (I.MET.) of the National Centre for Research and Technological Development, who collaborates alongside European organizations from Italy, Spain, France, and Slovenia. This partnership is pivotal, as it combines diverse expertise and insights into the logistics and environmental aspects of cruise tourism. During the meeting, a thorough study of the cruise terminal facilities was conducted, fostering discussions on shared experiences and best practices that can be implemented across the participating ports.

A particular focus of the meeting was on developing a digital platform intended to provide personalized information for travelers and cruise ship operators. This innovation aims to enhance passenger engagement while ensuring that sustainable practices are at the forefront of cruise tourism. The outcomes of this collaboration are expected to set a benchmark for how cruise destinations can improve their services while addressing environmental concerns, establishing a model for future initiatives in the broader Mediterranean region.