Africa’s first ever cruise forum is underway in the South African port city of Durban. More than 180 delegates from 15 countries are busy with in-depth discussions about the future of the cruise market in the region. Several workshops have also been arranged where senior executives from cruise lines will meet with representatives from African countries.

Chris Hayman, the Chairman of Seatrade, said the cruise market was becoming increasingly globalised. In this environment Africa was the logical next frontier for the ever growing cruise industry.

He added: “The Seatrade Africa Cruise Forum in Durban is the first event of its kind to spotlight Africa’s current role and great future potential in cruise tourism.”

On Monday night senior executives from nearly all the major cruise lines attended a dinner hosted by the KwaZulu Natal Province and the Cruise Indian Ocean Association. Among them were representatives from Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Fred Olsen, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, The World, Seabourn, Azamara and Silversea.

The conference sessions were robust and lively. Many cruise line representatives expressed their commitment to the region and their willingness to cooperate with other roll players in solving problems such as piracy and political instability in the Northern Africa region.

The Corporate Operating Officer for MSC Cruises, Neil Palomba, said that in order to grow the industry in Africa they needed more and better cruise port facilities.

MSC has employed a number of cruise ships in South African waters over the past ten years. Passenger numbers have gradually increased and now stand at 120,000 a year.