The «Cruise Hub» is a team that is stepping up its marketing efforts to promote not only the island’s port facilities but also Corsica as a «cruise destination» to international cruise lines!
Sales promotion
Every year, the’EPCI of Corsica takes part in major annual events Seatrade Cruise Global (USA / Florida), Seatrade Med/Seatrade Europe, the two largest international trade events in the cruise industry, bringing together all the key players in the market: ports, cruise lines, shipyards, technical service providers, etc.
Other initiatives are carried out alongside these, such as sales missions to the companies’ head offices, participation in themed workshops and conferences, and familiarisation trips…
The Corsican EPCI is also very active within the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), the world’s leading organisation and international representative of the cruise industry.
She is also a member of the French Maritime Cluster and the merger French Med Ports who work, amongst others, with the state organisation Atout France to establish the international reputation and visibility of our port destinations.
Promoting the island’s heritage
Locally, marketing initiatives are also carried out on a regular basis. Every year since 2016, a cruise passenger satisfaction survey has been carried out on a sample of ships and passengers, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the different customer profiles (origin, age, socio-occupational status, etc.)/spending (amounts and sources)/assessment of the port of call (understanding of strengths and weaknesses)/assessment of the destination (prior knowledge, pre- and post-visit assessment)/assessment of the services provided…
Every year, the Corsican EPCI publishes «Cruise Maps» for its six ports – city maps tailored to cruise passengers, which are distributed free of charge to passengers as they disembark.
A network of recognised professionals
Cruising in Corsica also involves a network of recognised professionals serving both cruise lines and passengers:
- Technical teams working to develop port infrastructure, making it safer and more efficient, and enabling us to remain competitive.
- A Vessel Monitoring Centre (VMC), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which coordinates operations during port calls with other services (Harbour Master’s Office, Customs, agents, etc.).
- Reception teams on the quays and at ferry terminals to assist passengers and crew members during stopovers.
- Some Dynamic Control Stations, which have successfully developed the expertise and equipment needed to cater for cruise ships.
- Two tugboats are available in Bastia and two in Ajaccio to assist with manoeuvres if necessary.
- Some teams of helmsmen experienced in the safe mooring of the largest ships.
- Some ship's agents, guides, coach operators and nnumerous local service providers. What do they do? They look after passengers, ensure their stopover is a success and offer them a whole host of activities and sightseeing opportunities!
Head of Cruise Development (Southern Corsica): Laëtitia MORESCO
- +33 (0)4 95 51 55 24
- laetitia.moresco@sudcorse.cci.fr