Cruise ships in Taranto (photo Massimo Todaro)
The doubts of those who still doubted the tourist potential of Taranto were dispelled yesterday. For the first time in the history of the Port, two imposing cruise ships, the “Fascinosa” of Costa Crociere and the “Mein Schiff 5” of TUI, docked simultaneously at the Molo San Cataldo, disembarking about six thousand tourists ready to discover the natural beauty and the historical and cultural heritage of the city.
The municipal administration, through the mayor Rinaldo Melucci, expressed great satisfaction with this achievement, which was once only an aspiration. “This event – declared the mayor – is the result of a joint commitment and synergy between the Ionian Sea Port System Authority (AdSP), the Port Authority and the Technical-Nautical Services, which coordinated the activities necessary to make this double landing possible. Special thanks go to the company that managed the extraordinary maintenance of the seabed and to all the companies and workers involved.”
The mayor also highlighted the importance of this moment for the future of tourism and the economic development of the city. “The simultaneous arrival of the two cruise ships increases the attractiveness of our Port and strengthens its role as a cruise destination in the Mediterranean.”
The Municipality plans further infrastructural interventions, such as the retreat of the eastern gate, to make the San Cataldo Pier and the surrounding area even more welcoming and attractive. “These developments will offer new opportunities for tourists and improve the quality of life of Taranto citizens, confirming the strong link between the Port and the city,” added Melucci. To take stock of cruise services, a meeting is scheduled for 5 July with the Port Authority and the Port Authority.
The mayor concluded: “We are proud to support and celebrate these significant developments, and we are committed to continuing to work towards a sustainable transformation and a social, urban and cultural regeneration that increases the international dimension of Taranto.”
