canary islands cruise tourism growth 18 percent

Canary Islands cruise tourism set for 18% growth

Compiled with the help of artificial intelligence, based on Spanish-language information. Source below the article.

The president of the Las Palmas Port Authority (APLP), Beatriz Calzada, has forecast that cruise tourism will maintain growth of 18% at its ports during the next season, which begins in October — a figure similar to the increase recorded in the previous season.

She made the prediction on Wednesday during the opening of Seatrade Cruise Med 2026, telling the media that the cruise sector works around 18 months ahead, meaning the 2027 season is already booked while the 2028 season is currently being marketed.

Geopolitical shifts redirect international cruise routes

In this context, she recalled that the geopolitical situation in areas such as the Middle East and the Red Sea is bringing about changes to international cruise routes. Calzada noted that several companies are contacting the ports of Las Palmas, through the operator Global Ports, to look into positioning ships in the islands.

As a result, the president believes that growth in cruise traffic at the province’s ports could even exceed initial forecasts.

Seatrade Cruise Med puts Gran Canaria in the shop window

Calzada also stressed that hosting Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 in the Gran Canarian capital is an opportunity to showcase the destination and its port facilities to more than 2,000 professionals from over 90 countries, as it is “the biggest showcase in the whole of Europe” related to the world of cruising.

She also highlighted that one of the fair’s main distinguishing features — it is being held this Wednesday and Thursday at the Port of Las Palmas — is that it takes place right in the middle of the port, allowing participants to see the facilities first-hand while taking part in Europe’s leading professional gathering for the sector.

The port authority president pointed to the presence of tour operators, major cruise lines and other representatives of the international cruise industry, and emphasised the sector’s interest in the ports of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife (Lanzarote) and Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura) as destinations for this type of traffic.

Economic boost and a call to support local business

She likewise underlined the economic importance of cruise tourism and its contribution to the diversification of the Canary Islands economy, arguing for the need to work jointly with the local business community to increase the impact of cruise passengers’ arrivals.

In this regard, she said the aim is for visitors to consume local products, go into shops, restaurants and other establishments, and discover the islands’ culture and landscapes in a respectful way.

Calzada also recalled that 2.1 million cruise passengers were recorded at Canary Islands destinations last year, and described the choice of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to host Seatrade Cruise Med as recognition of the work carried out by the ports and the operations they run.

Finally, she praised the cruise terminal at the Port of Las Palmas, which she described as “the largest in the whole of Europe”, and highlighted that it features the latest technologies to improve energy efficiency and advance the sustainability of port and cruise activity.

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