Violence erupted in Israel on Saturday after Hamas and Islamic Jihad launched rockets from Gaza as armed militants destroyed barriers surrounding the strip to enter Israel, shooting and taking hostages. Israel responded with airstrikes and deployed thousands of troops around Gaza. More than 1,110 people were killed and cruise lines have ended planned stops at the destination.
The minute of silence was observed as a sign of respect “for the natural disasters affecting our friends and their families in Morocco, Greece and some cities, people fleeing war zones by boat on the Mediterranean, right next to our homes, just to stay alive. And since Saturday, in addition to the war in Ukraine, we are confronted and look speechless at the tragedy of the war which extends to our friends in Israel and Palestine.
Ayan continued: “In the name of MedCruiseI would like to extend my prayers to all citizens, whatever their faith, origin or belief.
The land of roses
At the official opening of the AGM, at the Burgas International Congress Center, Ayan “welcomed to the land of roses” to the 110 participants, including 12 cruise lines and members of the international press. She described Bulgaria as “simply a beautiful country… a crossroads of history and culture for many, and a harmonious bridge between Europe and the Black Sea.” Describing Burgas as “full of surprises”, the MedCruise president highlighted the country’s unique gastronomy – influenced by Turkey, Greece and Romania – and its export of precious rose oil for perfumes.
Local dignitaries hope for revival of cruise tourism
Plamen Yanev, district governor of the Burgas region, hopes that the AGM, which will take place from October 10 to 13, “will be the basis on which we will join forces.” He said: “I want to emphasize that your support is essential. We are here to look to the future with hope and determination.
Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bulgarian Port Infrastructure Company Georgi Sabev spoke about the desire to “put Bulgarian ports on the map, the importance of the MedCruise Black Sea Working Group and the decline of cruises in the region caused by geopolitical events.
Maria Belkoleva, vice-president of the Port of Burgas, read a statement from the country’s tourism minister, who described the cruise sector as the most “dynamic” area of tourism.
A second statement read by BelkolevOn behalf of the port, the GA was called a unique opportunity for Burgas and Bulgarian seaports to show the history, culture and hospitality of the country. He expressed hope that cruise lines will return to Bulgaria soon.
A short film, “10 Beautiful Places in Bulgaria”, was screened, featuring the historic Koprivshtitsa in Central Bulgaria, the French Renaissance-style Evksinograd Residence, the village of Zheravna at the southern foot of the Eastern Balkan Mountains, Nessebar, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Belogradchik. Fortress, Rila Monastery, town of Veliko Tarnovo, old town of Plovdiv, seaside town of Sozopol and Bulgarian countryside.
Before the speeches began, traditional Bulgarian bread was served and a local choir sang.
Local bread is served followed by a choral show
Family trip: St. Anastasia Island, Chengene Skele
The opening of the AGM was preceded by a familiarization trip to St. Anastasia Island and Chengene Skele involving representatives of cruise lines and media.
Volcanic Sainte-Anastasia Island, located 1.5 km off the coast of Chernomorets, is one of the seven lake islands of Bulgaria: three can be visited all year round by boat, private boat rental is required to access the remaining islands.
The church, Sainte-Anastasie Island
Sainte-Anastasia Island houses a 15-16th century church which contains reliefs from 10 to 11th and from 12 to 14th centuries. The one-hectare island also has a large monastic building housing a six-room interactive museum exhibit showing different stages of St. Anastasia Island’s past, from pirate treasure to prison cells and more. The island has a restaurant and tea is served in a small café, “Lekarna”, prepared with herbs typical of the region.
According to Pavlin Dimitrov, director of the island and member of the Burgas municipal tourism enterprise, the island receives 35,000 visitors during the summer season – sometimes 6,000 people per day. He explained that the island, which enjoys good weather until the end of January, hosts concerts and that it is possible to observe unique birds in spring and autumn.
Pavlin Dimitrov (right) with representatives of cruise lines on St. Anastasia Island
The family trip continued by boat with a navigation to Chengene Skele, a small village 15 km south of Burgas. and formerly a fishing village, which still retains some fishing traditions. Those who took part in the trip saw a knitted fishing net, examples of fishing nets, ropes and knots, and heard stories from an island fisherman about underwater life.
Michele Bosco, Product/Operations Manager, Shore Excursions – Europe, Africa, Middle East, India and Sri Lanka, Princess Cruises; Annika Zeller, shore excursions product manager, Holland America Line; Ryan Baird, PM destination communications, Holland America Line; Simone Frontini, itinerary planning analyst, Costa Cruises; Radovesta Stewart, Director of the Tourism Department, Burgas
A celebration of culture on the island saw the group observe glassblowing at the Chengene Skele Amphitheater, before visiting its glassblowing showroom.
Glass blowing, Chengene Skele