Port cooperation strategies in the North Adriatic region for the devel-opment of a cruise cluster

Abstract

  The cruise sector has been showing a significant positive trend in the last decades and it represents a crucial element at various territorial levels, with regards both to spatial pattern implications of transport flows among various ports and the integration of cruise ports with their hinterlands, infrastructure systems, tourism activities and cities. Thus, it is important to get a better understanding of how cruise ports belonging to a given geographical area interact. More specifically, there is a need to promote models and strategies of spatial coordination among ports to realize cruise port systems to the benefit of involved regions. However, it seems unclear – also, at empirical level – which specific actions, synergies and strategies could be put forward and which the main drivers deter-mining port coordination opportunities at spatial level are. Moreover, the role of various stakeholders should be identified. Our paper aims at identifying and assessing probable scenarios of cruise ports coordination by focusing on the North Adriatic geographical region so as to highlight concrete strategies to the benefit of involved ports and territories. First, a thorough literature review is performed on the topic of cruise port coordina-tion at spatial level. Then, a straightforward methodology is put in place, mainly based on on-the-field data collection relying on interviews targeting relevant territorial actors. Results are discussed and guidelines are elaborated to identify win-win strategies by ports and to develop a cruise cluster in the selected region.