Europe's largest cruise convention comes to a close

The Seatrade Europe Cruise & River Cruise Convention, which came to a close at the Hamburg Messe exhibition centre yesterday, concluded that growth prospects for the European cruise industry continue to increase. Delegates who attended the 'State of the Cruise Industry in Europe' opening session heard from CLIA Europe chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio spoke of cruising's 'crucial anti-cyclical role during economic downturn' and, he added, 'This is particularly true for the economic impact of cruising for the European economy.’

More than 4,000 participants visited the high-class exhibition where over 250 exhibitors from over 50 nations, including numerous companies new to cruise, showcased their products and demonstrated innovations on the exhibition floor. From shipbuilders to tour organisers and from interior outfitters to entertainment specialists, all relevant segments of the cruise value chain were represented at Seatrade Europe.

Seatrade Europe proved once again to be THE meeting point for the cruise industry in Europe. Richard J. Vogel, CEO of TUI Cruises said "Once again Seatrade Europe succeeded in bringing together the industry's top representatives in Hamburg. This event provides an ideal platform for networking and attracting new business”. Mark Robinson, Managing Director of Intercruises, confirmed "This event in Hamburg is extremely well organised. The ambience is perfect, as well. Nowadays there is a new cruise industry fair everywhere you turn, but Seatrade Europe continues to be the top event, simply because you don't get this colourful mix of exhibitors anywhere else.”