• 4 min de lectura
• 4 min de lectura
The Port of Málaga and the institutions linked to the promotion of the destination's tourism participated on September 16 and 17 in Seatrade Cruise Med, one of the main professional events in the cruise industry, which this year is taking place in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
After two editions held in Málaga, the international fair continues its commitment to Spain as the venue for this important event, positioning it as a global benchmark.
Thus, the president of the Port Authority, Carlos Rubio Basabe, together with the Málaga team made up of the Tourism Department of the Málaga City Council, Tourism and Planning Costa del Sol, Ministry of Tourism, Justice, Deregulation and Local Administration of the Junta de Andalucía and Málaga Cruise Port, with the support of Fundación Málagaport and Suncruise Andalucía, held meetings with itinerary planning managers and executives from cruise companies in a space set up at the Puertos del Estado stand to update information on port infrastructures and services, as well as the destination's proposals for specific tourist routes and experiences for cruise passengers both in the capital and in the province and other points of interest in the Andalusian region.
It is also worth highlighting the presentation of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program that Málaga Cruise Port has implemented in the three cruise terminals of the Port of Málaga. This initiative facilitates the discreet identification of people with invisible disabilities through the use of the international sunflower symbol. People wearing this badge can easily communicate that they may need support, more time, or certain considerations during their transit through the facilities, making the cruise passenger's experience during the call more accessible and inclusive.
The presence of the Málaga delegation at this meeting has as its main objectives to strengthen trust relationships with major cruise companies, gain first-hand knowledge of market evolution, and continue consolidating Málaga's position as one of the reference destinations in the Mediterranean.
In this regard, it should be remembered that the Málaga City Council launched a new edition of the 'Málaga Cruise Shops' campaign to encourage cruise passengers' shopping. The program has more than 40 affiliated businesses that open on Sundays and holidays with cruise calls, with the aim of boosting small businesses in the Historic Center, La Malagueta, and Soho by taking advantage of tourist influx.
Evolution of Cruise Traffic
Participation in Seatrade Cruise Med also highlights the positive evolution of cruise traffic in the Port of Málaga over recent years. Forecasts indicate that 2026 will close by consolidating the growth experienced in both the number of calls and passengers.
In addition to quantitative evolution, the cruise traffic of the Port of Málaga is experiencing a qualitative evolution, with more than half of the calls corresponding to luxury and premium segment vessels. This type of traffic generates significant added value for the destination due to the economic impact it produces in the city and its surroundings.
The meetings held at the fair provide continuity to the discussions that the Port and the destination maintain with shipping companies throughout the year, with the aim of strengthening their position in the international market and continuing to identify new opportunities for Málaga.
Sustainability and Energy Transition
Sustainability is one of the prominent themes of this edition of Seatrade Cruise Med, in line with the industry's evolution towards more responsible and efficient activity models.
In fact, the Port of Málaga offers a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supply service for cruise ships, an alternative that helps reduce atmospheric emissions during port operations and is part of the solutions linked to the energy transition of maritime transport.
The incorporation of new services and measures in terms of sustainability and accessibility allows the port and destination to continue adapting to the needs of companies and passengers.
