Jacques Truau : “Marseille, European Capital of Culture and a driver for growth of the cruise industry”

What is the outlook for growth in the cruise industry?

In 2012, we should receive between 950,000 and one million cruise passengers, and then we should break the one million mark thanks to Marseille becoming the European Capital of Culture in 2013. This is already attracting strong interest from operators, especially German firms and will undoubtedly act as a driver for growth in the cruise industry. From January 2013, cruise companies will be able to offer a cultural programme to their passengers as part of this event.  
Another advantage is the growing links between the city and the port which, with the Terrasses du Port shopping centre development, the Mucem and the redevelopment of the city centre along the waterfront, will contribute to improving the city’s appeal in the eyes of cruise passengers. This is the reason why we hope to set up a shuttle service between Léon Gouret Pier (where large cruise ships dock) and the Vieux Port. Then, from 2013, we will have the option to berth ships in the new fully equipped harbour basin at the foot of the Mucem. Cruise passengers disembarking at the Fort St Jean will therefore increase the proportion of the 400,000 tourists expected to visit this site and then continue on by foot to the Vieux Port.

What impact does the cruise industry have on employment and the regional economy?

According to a two-year old study that we will be updating, the cruise sector represents 450 full time jobs. In 2011, the cruise industry accounted for €110 M in the local and regional economy compared to €100 M last year. In addition, the Cruise Club has expanded to take in the district of Aubagne to the towns of Arles and Cassis. Further new memberships are also expected.

With the success of Top Cruise which grows year on year and Seatrade Med in 2012, is Marseille securing an increasing share in the organisation of international events linked to the cruise sector?

During the 11^th Top Cruise exhibition on the 6^th October this year, we attracted 300 visitors and 28 exhibitors, not counting 300 students in tourism sectors and booking agents. The choice of Marseille to hold Seatrade Med in 2012 is evidence of a strong recognition by the cruise world of the rising profile of Marseille in this market. From the 27^th to the 29^th November 2012, Seatrade Med should attract more than 150 exhibitors, 115 cruise companies and 2,800 visitors representing 2,000 bed nights for Marseille’s hotels.  

What proportion of cruise passengers remain aboard?

Currently, 25% of passengers stay aboard during a stopover. This proportion is relatively steady due to the introduction of large cruise ships focusing on entertainment and also to the democratisation of the cruise industry.
Nowadays, a cruise costs as little as €390, but people have no money left to pay for excursions. Of the 75% of passengers who disembark, 60% opt to visit Marseille, which shows that our city has acquired a good image internationally thanks to the synergy between institutional, public sector and founding stakeholders (City of Marseille, CCIMP, GPMM ), private institutional partners, (UPE 13, SNAV Paca, UMF, Marseille-Provence Airport ), public sector partners (CRT, CDT 13), the Euroméditerranée Urban Regeneration Agency and the Marseille 2013 Association who participate with us at international cruise industry exhibitions and some twenty active members.