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Alicante – September 17, 2026. – The Port Authority of Alicante is currently participating in Seatrade Cruise Med, held in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with a schedule of 18 working meetings with shipping companies and international operators to continue consolidating Alicante's position as a destination and a reference port for the cruise industry in the Mediterranean.
Seatrade Cruise Med, celebrating its 30th edition these days, brings together more than 2,000 professionals from 90 countries, over 60 shipping companies, and 180 international exhibitors.
Alicante's presence aims to strengthen relationships with the sector's main companies, identify new business opportunities, and continue working to increase and improve cruise traffic, both for transit calls and homeport operations.
The Head of Business Development and Corporate Strategy at the Port Authority of Alicante, David Nadal, emphasizes that the cruise industry is a strategic sector for Alicante due to its significance for the entire province and will continue to grow: "We are committed to cruises because we are committed to the province of Alicante. Each new call represents an opportunity for our hotels, restaurants, shops, transport companies, excursion agencies, and for the entire tourism and services offering. That is why it is essential to maintain an active presence in the main international forums and to be constantly in contact with shipping companies."
This strategy is yielding results. By 2026, the number of cruise passengers will exceed 325,000, with an estimated economic impact of over 84 million euros. Alicante has also progressively expanded its presence in the international market and diversified the companies operating in the port, with a growing presence of premium and luxury segments.
The growth is a result of the joint work of the Cruise Observatory, promoted by the Port Authority of Alicante and comprising the City Council, the Provincial Council, Global Ports Holding, and the Costa Blanca Tourism and Cruises Association, with the aim of promoting sustainable, deseasonalized, and quality tourism.
Alicante, a showcase for the cruise industry in 2027
Alicante's commitment to this sector will reach one of its main milestones next year with the city hosting the CLIA European Cruise Summit 2027, which will take place from March 8 to 11.
The congress will bring together executives from leading shipping companies, port and tourism officials, institutional representatives, and other leaders from the European and international maritime and tourism industry in Alicante.
The CLIA European Cruise Summit will also address issues that will shape the future of the sector, such as sustainability, innovation, infrastructure investment, destination management, and economic growth linked to maritime activity.
The Port Authority believes that the combination of continuous participation in major international sector fairs, holding commercial meetings with shipping companies, and Alicante's selection as the venue for reference events like the CLIA European Cruise Summit contributes to consolidating the province as a competitive destination prepared to face the growth of the cruise industry.