Seine Valley Groups Unite to Boost River Cruise Tourism

The river in Rouen in France at sundown
Cruise Industry Europe
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Updated Published

Rouen Cruises has announced a collaborative effort between tourism offices along the Seine River Valley and the Channel region to enhance the cruise passenger and crew experience and further position Normandy as a top river cruise destination. 

According to a press release, the meeting was held at the Abbaye du Valasse and focused on improving internal coordination among regional stakeholders to better serve cruise guests and prepare for stronger partnerships with cruise operators. 

The initiative was led by Rouen Cruises and Caux Seine Normandie Tourisme, bringing together: 

  • Jaco Seyffert of Rouen Cruises 
  • Barbara LedeMay and Thomas Gramont of Caux Seine Normandie Tourisme 
  • Aloïs Hoch from Le Havre Etretat Normandie Tourisme 
  • Jérôme Radanovic from the Honfleur Tourism Office 
  • Auriane Leguay of Seine-Maritime Attractivité 

The group acknowledged that cruise lines don’t always engage with local tourism offices, which can lead to missed opportunities for collaboration and visitor enrichment. The participants emphasized the importance of building stronger internal cooperation so that the region is well-prepared to engage with cruise companies when the time is right. 

The initiative seeks to better align regional tourism strategies and create a solid foundation for future collaboration with the cruise industry. 

Key action points outlined during the meeting include: 

  • Improved communication and data sharing: A shared digital drive and joint newsletter will be launched to exchange insights and present a consistent message about the Seine Valley. 
  • Unified marketing efforts: Stakeholders plan to address inconsistencies in pricing and data collection, improve analysis, and build a clearer path forward for joint promotions. 
  • Upgraded infrastructure and services: The group will refine ongoing projects and survey methods to better tailor experiences to cruise passengers. 
  • Appointment of a neutral coordinator: This role will help harmonize the group’s collective efforts and overcome operational differences. 
  • Regular follow-up meetings: Periodic sessions will ensure the agreed strategies are implemented and adjusted as needed. 

With these steps, the region aims to strengthen its appeal as a premier cruise destination while fostering closer ties between local tourism offices and the cruise industry.