MSC Foundation honours top students for tourism innovation in Spain

The Award for the Best Final Degree Project in Tourism, created in honour of the former President of MSC Cruises Spain, was presented aboard MSC World Europa

Focus Area: Education

The MSC Foundation, in collaboration with the Complutense University of Madrid, recently announced the winner of the 3rd Annual Award for the Best Final Degree Project in Tourism. The Award for the Best Final Degree Project in Tourism, hosted aboard the MSC World Europa, honours the memory of D. Emiliano González, the former president of MSC Cruises in Spain, who passed away in 2020. The event underscores the MSC Foundation's commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in education.

The award, established by the MSC Foundation, reflects the passion and dedication D. Emiliano González demonstrated throughout his 18 years at MSC Cruises. His leadership helped shape the company's growth in Spain and left a lasting impact on the tourism industry. This annual award is a heartfelt tribute to his unwavering commitment to mentorship and professional development for future generations.

A distinguished jury, composed of industry and academic leaders, was responsible for reviewing the submissions and selecting the winners. The jury members included María Luisa Sanz, wife of D. Emiliano González, Mª Francisca Blasco López, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Tourism, Ana María Romero, Vice Dean of International Relations at the Faculty of Commerce and Tourism, Libertad Troitiño, Coordinator of the Tourism Degree at Complutense University, Fernando Pacheco, General Director of MSC Cruises Spain, and Marina Anselme, Secretary General of the MSC Foundation

Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in recognising the outstanding work of the finalists.

This year’s winner, Lucía Mardomingo, was honoured for her outstanding project, “Citizen Participation in Spanish Tourist Destinations.” Her project not only earned her recognition and a valuable internship at one of MSC Cruises’ European offices but also showcased the potential of young professionals to make a significant impact in the tourism industry.

The runner-up, Alejandra Guzmán, received a €1,000 prize for her project, “Madrid as a Tourist Destination: A View from the Japanese Traveler.” Both projects were celebrated for their innovation and contribution to Spain's evolving landscape of tourism, making the event a true celebration of talent and innovation in the industry.

The awards were presented by Leonardo Massa, VP of the Southern European Commercial Area, and Marina Anselme, Secretary General of the MSC Foundation. In attendance was María Luisa, wife of Emiliano González, who has been a vital supporter of the initiative since its inception in 2022.

In her remarks, Daniela Picco, Executive Director of the MSC Foundation, highlighted the profound meaning behind the award. “This annual prize is not just a reflection of the deep human values and unwavering dedication that Mr González brought with him every day to MSC Cruises and the broader tourism industry—it is a heartfelt tribute to the incredible person he was. His passion, integrity, and boundless spirit touched the people he worked with in ways that words alone cannot express. This award carries profound significance. It symbolises not only the values of MSC Foundation and our family-owned Group, which holds a deep commitment to caring for both people and the environment, but it brings to students an incentive to strive for personal and professional excellence.”

Emiliano González was renowned for his strategic vision and ability to inspire those around him. His leadership style emphasised professional growth and the empowerment of young talent, making this award a fitting continuation of his legacy. Through this initiative, MSC Cruises not only honours his memory but also continues to promote the development of young professionals in the tourism sector, carrying forward Emiliano’s mission to support the next generation of maritime leaders.

As MSC Cruises continues to expand globally, the company remains committed to fostering opportunities for young professionals, ensuring that Emiliano González’s vision for excellence in tourism and dedication to education endures.