Fernando Pacheco is the General Director of MSC Cruises Spain. With an extensive career both inside and outside the company, he has been able to consolidate MSC Cruises’ leadership in the industry. Its commitment to innovation has led the company to provide superior customer service while minimizing the impact ships make on the oceans. Fernando Pacheco tells us how they are using the technology, how the market has changed and the prospects for the coming months.
Has cutting-edge technology become a consumer attraction?
Over the years we have seen how innovation has become one of the keys to progress in all sectors. Our sector is no exception and will continue to play an important role in the growth of the shipping industry. Technology enables us to customize the offering to meet the needs of our customers: unique, exclusive and differentiated experiences, tailored just for them, with options that perfectly match their style. For this reason, we combine elegance with the most sophisticated innovations and offer concessions in comfort and gastronomy with on-board experiences and entertainment. An example of this is MSC for Me, our app for mobile phones that is also available onboard and allows each passenger to experience and personalize their journey the way they want. In this regard, the newly inaugurated ships MSC Euribia and MSC World Europa are examples of our efforts to meet the needs of passengers and make them enjoy their time to the fullest through the best technology.
The company has not stopped betting on innovation and technology, how does this affect the income statement?
We consider investing in innovation and technology as a long-term investment that adds value to the company, a fundamental philosophy of our business strategy. By betting on both concepts, we also invest in the continuous improvement of passenger experience, sustainability, operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness.
How can technology respond to the problems created by the uncertain socioeconomic climate we are currently experiencing?
Technology plays an important role in solving many of the challenges we face. As cruise companies, we focus on incorporating advanced technologies aimed at improving our passengers’ experience and significantly reducing our environmental impact. In terms of sustainability, we rely on technology, from renewable energy solutions to highly effective waste management systems. In this sense, our ships MSC World Europa and MSC Euripia are powered by LNG, considered the cleanest and most efficient fuel commercially available. Additionally, approximately 70% of our fleet is equipped with the latest wastewater treatment technology (AWTS), compliant with IMO Resolution MEPC 227(64) and fully compliant with the most demanding regulatory standards. At the global level, the well-known ones are the „Baltic Standard”.
What are the main challenges you face when implementing innovative solutions that you haven’t had before?
Sustainability involves many actors, which sometimes slows down processes and necessitates the search for convergence of interests. Although it may seem like a slow and labor-intensive process, collaboration between all stakeholders creates better and more enriching results for all. People don’t only travel in the summer anymore, how are cruises available outside of high season? To reduce dependence on peak seasons and promote a continuous flow of cruises throughout the year, cruise lines implement various strategies. At MSC Cruises, we have focused over the years on diversifying our offerings and destinations to offer attractive itineraries in all seasons of the year. So our trips through the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, as examples, are always available. At MSC Cruises, we are committed to satisfying the diverse preferences of passengers and offering exciting onboard experiences throughout the year tailored to the needs of our passengers.
Tourism is in a very good moment, what place do cruises occupy in this environment?
In fact, tourism is going through a very good time. The Spanish market has always been very interested in cruises, and this summer, we found that high hotel occupancy and overcrowding at other tourist destinations influenced travelers’ preferences when choosing their vacation. on a ship. This growing demand for travel, coupled with the search for safer experiences and the convenience of having the same accommodation when visiting different cities, is driving the preference for cruise tourism. Our commitment to flexibility and variety of destinations resonates well with travelers looking for an alternative to more traditional land travel.
Finally, what are the prospects for MSC Cruises next year?
This year, we continue to strengthen our port diversification strategy with the aim of bringing our ships closer to Spain. We are proud to further strengthen our ties with the Ports of Spain and explore new destinations. Currently, we have seven ports in Spain (Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Alicante, Tarragona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Malaga). In particular, we highlight the port of Tarragona, which has become one of our main airport points for passengers traveling aboard MSC Fantasia. Also, next year there will be a significant increase in the number of stops in the city, reaching a total of 28, which will allow thousands of tourists to discover the treasures of Tarragona, including its climate, nature, culture and entertainment options. Likewise, we offer 80,000 round-trip airline seats as part of our „Fly&Cruise” program in partnership with leading airlines when flying to the port of embarkation. Those who decide to travel to the UAE this winter will have direct flights from Madrid and Barcelona, while Northern Europe cruises on MSC Eurasia will enjoy direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga. , Bilbao and Valencia. Next summer we will also have a wide range of direct flights from Spain for passengers embarking on the Eastern Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Passengers can thus enjoy a complete vacation with worry-free port-to-airport transfers.
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