European cruise industry to gather in Madeira to advance policy, sustainability and regional development.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the global cruise industry, is pleased to announce that its 2026 European Summit will take place in Funchal, Madeira from 23 to 26 February, in partnership with the Regional Government of Madeira and the Ports Administration of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM).
The Summit is CLIA’s flagship European policy event, bringing together cruise line executives, institutional leaders and stakeholders from across Europe’s tourism and maritime landscape. The 2026 edition will take place in Funchal, Madeira, a Portuguese island region that serves as a key gateway between Europe and the Atlantic, at a time of growth and transformation for the cruise sector in the Atlantic Sea Basin.
Bud Darr, President and CEO of CLIA said, “Bud Darr, President and CEO of CLIA said, “Madeira plays a strategic role as a bridge between Europe and the wider Atlantic region, making it a fitting host for this Summit. The cruise sector is not only a driver of local development but also an essential contributor to Europe’s economic, tourism, and sustainability priorities. This gathering provides an important platform to align with our partners in the region and across Europe on the policies, engagement and partnerships that will shape the future of cruise.”
Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Regional Government of Madeira: “This event confirms the Region’s strategic position as a meeting point between Europe and the Atlantic, while also recognizing the dynamism of our blue economy and Madeira’s proven ability to host major international events with excellence and hospitality. We are proud to host the CLIA European Summit 2026 – a milestone that reinforces Madeira’s importance within the international cruise industry and our firm commitment to sustainability and innovation.”
Paula Cabaço, Chair of APRAM, added: “Madeira’s selection to host the CLIA European Summit 2026 is a clear recognition of the work carried out in recent years to enhance the value of our ports and consolidate their position within the European cruise landscape. It is also a reflection of CLIA’s trust in our ability to organise and engage constructively with the industry. This will be a unique opportunity to showcase to the international cruise industry the excellence of our port, hotel and tourism offering, as well as Madeira’s strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. The renowned Madeiran hospitality will certainly be one of the highlights of this edition of the European Summit.
This event is more than just an international conference – it is a statement of Madeira’s place on the map of major maritime decisions. It represents an opportunity to project the Region globally, strengthen our economic diplomacy, and attract investment to a sector with enormous growth potential.”
The CLIA European Summit comes as Madeira marks a new milestone in the cruise sector’s performance in the region. In 2024, the region welcomed more than 728,000 cruise passengers and 272,000 crew members, with year-on-year increases of 16.7% and 12.3% respectively. The sector generated a direct economic impact of €61.4 million, underlining Madeira’s growing importance as a port of call in the Atlantic and its positive contribution to regional development.
Portugal’s port network, stretching from Lisbon and Leixões on the mainland to the Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores, is central to Europe’s cruise connectivity. As part of this, Cruise Atlantic Islands – a collaborative initiative between Madeira, the Azores, Canary Islands and Cabo Verde – is deepening regional cooperation to ensure long-term sustainability across the Atlantic arc.
The CLIA European Summit 2026 in Funchal, Madeira will offer a platform for in-depth policy dialogue and sector engagement, reflecting the shared European responsibility to shape cruise tourism that is green, resilient and inclusive. Programme details and registration information will be announced in the months ahead.
For updates, visit: www.cruising.org
Notes to Editors
About the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the preeminent cruise trade association, providing a unified voice for the industry and its members as the leading authority of the global cruise community. CLIA represents oceangoing member lines which comprise more than 90% of global cruise passenger capacity, including the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines, as well as a business community of leading ports, destinations, shipyards and maritime product and service providers, and the largest network of travel professionals who specialise in cruise travel. Together with its members and partners, CLIA supports policies and practices that foster safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise operations; tourism strategies that maximise the socioeconomic benefits of cruise travel; and technologies and innovations designed to support the industry’s pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050. The organization’s global headquarters are in Washington, DC, with regional offices located in North and South America, Europe, and Australasia.
For more information, please visit cruising.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube with our handle @CLIAGlobal—or on LinkedIn.
