• 4 min de lectura
• 4 min de lectura
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Friday, 25 September 2026 - Seatrade Cruise Med's debut at Las Palmas Cruise Port has delivered a significant economic stimulus for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, according to the Port Authority of Las Palmas. Higher hotel occupancy, as well as enhanced activity benefitting various sectors such as services and hospitality have been hailed as indicators of positive impact.
For the first time in Seatrade Cruise Med's 30-year history, the event was held inside an operational cruise port, with the new Las Palmas Cruise Port terminal serving as the main exhibition and conference venue. With the official conference programme taking place on 16 and 17 September, the event attracted more than 2,000 cruise line operators, port authorities, tourist destinations, and global service providers from more than 80 countries. More importantly, 224 exhibiting companies invested in showcasing products and services in the 2026 iteration with over 220 executives from the world's leading cruise lines in attendance.
According to the Port Authority of Las Palmas and Las Palmas Cruise Port, operated by Global Ports Holding, one of the objectives of the cruise sector is to continue growing in the diversification of the source market, deseasonalisation, and in the premium and luxury segments. Having Seatrade Cruise Med in Las Palmas the Gran Canaria plays a crucial part in supporting these objectives by allowing relevant conversations to take place and serving as the ideal platform to elevate the Canary Islands to the international cruise industry.
Locally, the president of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, Beatriz Calzada, said the event has had a "magnificent reception". She added: "The fact of having been able to hold it inside the Port of Las Palmas has allowed us to show the major shipping companies and global tour operators the real operability of the facilities and the benefits of the new terminal, which stands out for being the largest and one of the most efficient in all of Europe."
Commenting on the impact for the local economy, Calzada said: "There are many sectors that have benefited from Seatrade Cruise Med at the Port of Las Palmas, such as the services sector, hospitality and catering, shops and transportation, among others. Event attendees have contributed to our economy and taken with them knowledge of the destination, our gastronomy, our culture, and our people."
Opening the activities on the 15 September, The Grand Opening of Las Palmas Cruise Port Terminal marked the much-anticipated inauguration of the new cruise terminal with the whole event projecting the Port of Las Palmas to the international cruise industry. For the president and CEO of Global Ports Holding, Mehmet Kutman, "hosting Seatrade Cruise Med at the new Las Palmas Cruise Port terminal has been a very special moment for us. The terminal brings a unique energy to the meeting and demonstrated what modern cruise infrastructure can offer, such as an enhanced experience for passengers, greater capacity for growth, and long-term value for the destination. This reflects GPH's wider approach to investing in modern cruise infrastructure that supports both the industry and the destinations we serve," he said.
Seatrade Cruise Global Director, Emma Bond, said that the Port of Las Palmas "has faithfully reflected the notable growth and strength of the cruise business in the Mediterranean, noting the relevance of having "a wealth of leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the industry gather in Las Palmas to participate in two days of valuable discussions about cruise tourism in the Mediterranean and its adjacent seas, the design of new itineraries, and of course the fundamental role of the region in the global maritime landscape." She added: "I want to thank exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and attendees who have made this edition of Seatrade Cruise Med a resounding success."
Seatrade Cruise Med returns in September 2028 with new location to be confirmed. Potential attendees can register interest in the event website. In the meantime, view upcoming events at www.seatradecruiseevents.com.