Thamm warns Venice on cruising
Guest Writers are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the specific writer directly
Michael Thamm, managing director of Costa Cruises, has expressed his view that unless the pro-cruising contingent of Venice speaks up, the city could risk losing cruise ships from the region altogether.
Thamm, who made his comments at Seatrade Med, has responded to an escalating anti-cruising movement which has been recently gaining momentum in the Italian city.
“As an industry, we have a real challenge with Venice,” he explained. “It is the only place that the industry is obviously not welcome. It is a challenge of communication. I would also like to see all those who benefit from cruises in Venice stand up and join us in helping the industry. We need a unified stand and we must work together. Otherwise, the cruise industry will inevitably leave this city.”
The opposition to cruising stems mainly from the Costa Concordia disaster, and a fear that such an incident could happen within the city’s waters. It has led to a concerted campaign against the larger cruise ships sailing within Venice.
