MEDIA

14 Mar 2023

Alicante Cruise Port appoints industry veteran Francesco Balbi as new Port Manager

Alicante Cruise Port is pleased to announce the appointment of industry veteran Francesco Balbi as the new Port Manager, in a move to drive the success of its newest port following Global Ports Holding's (GPH) recent joint venture concession signing for a 15-year period. With over 25 years of experience in the maritime and cruise industry, Balbi will be responsible for managing and enhancing the guest experience in Alicante Cruise Port. He will report to Javier Rodriguez Sanchez, GPH Regional Director – West Med & Asia.

Francesco Balbi joins Alicante Cruise Port as the new Port Manager with extensive experience in the maritime and cruise industry. Prior to this, Francesco served as the Environmental Director for MSC Cruises, leading a team of over sixty collaborators and overseeing all operational activities related to the marine environment. He was also a member of the Environment Subcommittee of the European Cruise Council. In 2014, Balbi was appointed as General Manager of Alicante Cruise Terminal and later served as the President of Alicante Costa Blanca Turismo y Cruceros Association, promoting the destination.

In his new role, Francesco will leverage his extensive experience and knowledge of the industry to ensure the highest standards of guest experience at Alicante Cruise Port. His expertise will also play a critical role in achieving GPH's goals of enhancing the customer experience, promoting the destination, and collaborating with local stakeholders.

"We are thrilled to welcome Francesco to our team at Global Ports Holding," said Javier Rodriguez Sanchez, GPH Regional Director – West Med & Asia. "His extensive experience in the maritime and cruise industry, coupled with his proven track record of success in managing port operations and promoting destinations, make him the ideal person to lead our newest Alicante Cruise Port. We look forward to working with Francesco to achieve our goals of providing the highest level of service to our customers and promoting Alicante as a premier destination for cruise passengers."