MedCruise elects new president to lead association

Figen Ayan is second female to lead group

MedCruise elects new president to lead association

The Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports (MedCruise), which represents 140 cruise ports around the region, has elected a new president.

Figen Ayan (pictured), the chief port officer of Galataport Istanbul, was elected at the association’s 59th general assembly.

She succeeds Aris Batsoulis, of Corfu Port Authority, and will lead the organisation until 2024.

Of the 27 years Ayan has spent in the industry, 16 have been working in port development. She is the authority’s second-ever female president.

MedCruise was established in 1996 and represents cruise ports and associate members around the Mediterranean.

It provides members with networking, promotional and development opportunities.

Ayan said: “I, with the board of directors of MedCruise, am here to be the bridge between the cruise lines and the cruise ports or destinations.

“We are the ones who create safe and good environments for the cruise passengers, crew, and our own source markets.

“I cannot wait to work hand in hand with the board of directors, the port, and associate members.”