Marco Palmu, Director, Representative Office of Tallink Silja Line in Russia

- Mr Palmu, what are the key trends in the cruise and ferry market of the Baltic Sea?

- Among the key trends of the global tourism notable in the Baltic Sea today is travelling within the region of residence. Those living along the Baltic shores are increasingly active in exploring places of interest within their and neighboring countries. Also, more and more attention is paid to environment. Tallink has always been environment-conscious. That is why the first high-speed ferry in the Baltic Sea, Megastar, operates between Tallinn and Helsinki with the company having started the construction of the second ferry, MyStar, also designed for minimization of environmental footprint.

- How is the cruise passenger’s portrait developing?

- Of course, each market has its specific features. However, when it comes to general characteristics of clients (age, voyage purpose, companions of ferry passengers), we cannot but mention essential changes. Travelers from Asia are getting more frequent participants of Tallink and Silja Line cruises. In 2019, the number of tourists from non-departure countries reached 1 million.

- What, in you opinion, are the prospects of Saint-Petersburg as a port of call for cruise ships and ferries? What should be done to make it a port of departure?

- Saint-Petersburg is certainly among the most attractive cities on the Baltic Sea, especially for the Baltic area residents in view of the trend I have mentioned earlier. This year, our company’s ferry will make four calls and a special cruise to Saint-Petersburg will hopefully become annual among summer cruises of Tallink and Silja Line.