(TAN): MSC Cruises’ summer 2022 programme of shore excursions will have its strongest ever focus on minimising the environmental impact of land-based tours and supporting nature-positive activities, the cruise company said.
More electric and hybrid shuttle buses will be used for guests to shuttle from ports to places of interest in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Spain and Sweden with MSC Cruises aiming to increase the utilisation of green ground transportation in the future.
Low carbon footprint excursions will include 150 bicycle tours available in 21 countries — which are growing in popularity among the line’s guests — and more sustainable shore excursions called ‘Protectours’ that MSC Cruises first introduced in 2020 will be available. Up to 70% of Protectours will have a low environmental impact thanks to an increase in the number of walking, hiking, bicycling, canoeing and kayaking excursions ashore with many tours set to make a direct contribution to the environment by helping the protection of habitats and species.
MSC Cruises worked extensively in 2021 to provide tour operators with responsible and sustainable tourism training and Protectours will be available at the start of summer 2022 at 20 ports which is set to grow to up to 90 destinations by the season’s end.
Examples of Protectours available include planting trees to replenish lost forests in the Greek island of Rhodes, collecting plastic waste from the beaches of the Adriatic sea, nature walking tours in the Bahamas, making eco-friendly jewellery in Helsinki, Finland, urban farming and beekeeping in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, organic rooftop farming in Copenhagen, Denmark and stone cleaning in Scotland.
[ALSO READ: Pullman Paris Montparnasse reopens its doors]
Marialuisa Iaccarino, head of shore excursions at MSC Cruises, said: “Travel and tourism has a very significant role to play in global decarbonisation and we need to demonstrate leadership by ensuring that we meet the expectation of travellers who are more aware and engaged in sustainability matters and the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.”
