MSC CRUISES ADHERES TO TRAVEL & TOURISM DECLARATION TO FIGHT ILLEGAL TRADE IN WILDLIFE

New York City, US, 25 September 2019 – MSC Cruises has signed the Travel & Tourism Declaration on Illegal Trade in Wildlife – the so-called ‘Buenos Aires Declaration’ – which sets out a number of specific commitments for companies active in the travel and tourism sector to help combat illegal wildlife trade. Linden Coppell, Director of Sustainability, MSC Cruises and Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) signed the agreement in New York City.

Chief among these commitments is a pledge to contribute towards ending the illegal carriage or sale of wildlife products, in full accordance with the terms of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife, Fauna and Flora (CITES).

MSC Cruises has also become the first company to sign the WTTC’s Illegal Wildlife Travel & Tourism Sector Zero Tolerance Policy. Developed in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), this new policy fully commits the business to translate the principles of the Declaration into clear and measurable actions to protect wildlife and help in the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking.

MSC Cruises is particularly committed to increase the awareness among its more than two million annual guests on board its ships about the need to preserve wildlife and, more generally, to promote a responsible approach to tourism.

The Company already encourages responsible tourism practices at all destinations its cruise ships reach and always works closely in partnership with communities to ensure that its presence leads to tangible positive local benefits.

MSC Cruises is strongly committed to protect the environment, in all its shapes and forms. With today’s signing, the Company has taken another step forward in its commitment to ensure wildlife protection is integral to its environmental protection efforts.