As a cruise operator, we take responsibility for our destinations in 73 countries. At the same time, we are committed to our German home. In both cases, we want our influence on the economy, environment and society to be as positive as possible.
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Global responsibility - anchored locally
A positive impact on the local economy
Our cruise ships call at 260 ports in 73 countries. Cruise ship tourism holds enormous potential for the local economy. Be it the Caribbean, Asia or Scandinavia – Wherever our ships dock, our guests sleep in the harbor towns before and after their cruise, buy souvenirs and local specialties or take part in shoreside excursions organized in collaboration with local agencies. The figures for Spain are a particularly good example of the economic impact of cruise ships: In the first half of 2011, a total of 3.2 million cruise ship passengers visited Spanish harbor towns, spending € 230 million.
In addition, as a shipping company, we pay demurrage in the ports, as well as contributions towards the upkeep of the terminal and the wages of the port staff. Furthermore, we also place importance on buying goods and services for the operation of our ships from local providers. This includes both fuel and navigation and communication equipment. We also buy specialties for our restaurant at local ports – the Food Safety Management System and monitoring of the cold chain are naturally always guaranteed.
In addition, we employ the services of waste disposal companies in most ports, and pay locally for the maintenance and repair of our ships.
Effects on the labor market
With 6,000 employees by the end of 2012 we'll remain the biggest employer in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Our business success creates and secures jobs not only at AIDA itself, but also in other companies. Since 2007, we have received a new ship from the Meyer shipyard in Papenburg every year, and we will continue to do so until 2013. The investment in our 7 new build ships accounts for € 2.3 billion. By placing contracts with partner firms, each of our ships secures over 5,000 jobs in shipyards and the supply sector across Germany. In total, the cruise industry employs more than 31,000 people in Germany. This includes not only cruise operator employees but also the employment created for service providers, engineering firms, consumer goods manufacturers and travel agencies. We are of course aware that in this era of globalization, competition in the markets is constantly increasing – and we also benefit from this “international division of labor”. However, we continue to be committed to our home region – and with our local acquisitions, we play a part in ensuring the sustainability of the German cruise industry supplier base for the future.
Company HQ in Rostock
By the end of 2012 eight hundred employees will work at company HQ in Rostock, divided between the Finance and Controlling, Marketing and Sales, Human Resources Management, Operations, Newbuildings and Corporate Development departments, and in Hamburg at AIDA Entertainment. In 2011 we purchased our headquarters in Rostock from Deutsche Immobilien AG. It comprises the historic silo building, a neighboring office complex, the parking garage and several pieces of land with a total surface area of 10,500 m². This shows our pride in our roots in the Hanseatic city of Rostock, and indeed the region as a whole.
