European cruise industry leaders to gather in Madeira to advance policy dialogue, sustainability, and regional development.
- Cruise line executives, European and national policymakers, and maritime leaders to meet at CLIA’s European Summit, 23–26 February 2026
- Madeira and Portugal to host discussions on sustainable growth, connectivity and destination readiness among hundreds of participants
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the global cruise industry, will convene its European Summit 2026 from 23 to 26 February in Funchal, Madeira, to discuss sustainable growth, connectivity and destination readiness. The event is hosted in partnership with the Regional Government of Madeira and the Ports Administration of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM). CLIA today announces the top-level speakers who will attend the Summit.
CLIA’s European Summit is the cruise sector’s flagship policy forum in Europe, bringing together cruise line leadership, European institutions, national and regional governments, ports and destinations, shipyards and maritime leaders. The event will place Madeira as the center of the cruise industry and as the location for the dialogue on the sector’s role within Europe’s transport, tourism and climate policy frameworks.
High-level participants at the Summit will include Hugo Espírito Santo, Secretary of State for Infrastructure of Portugal;Miguel Filipe Machado de Albuquerque, President of the Regional Government of Madeira; Mr. José Manuel Rodrigues, Regional Secretary of Economy; Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism (video address); Bud Darr, President and CEO of CLIA; Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises; Patrick Verhoeven, Managing Director of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH); Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General of European Shipowners (ECSA); and Christophe Tytgat, Secretary General of SEA Europe, alongside national, regional and city leaders from across Europe.
Discussions will address cruise’s contribution to economic growth and regional development, decarbonization pathways, port and infrastructure readiness, and responsible tourism and destination management, with particular relevance for island and Atlantic regions. The Summit will take place in Portugal’s Atlantic region of Madeira, reflecting the island’s strategic position between Europe and the Atlantic and its growing role within Europe’s cruise and tourism ecosystem.
Bud Darr, President and CEO of CLIA, said:“The European Summit comes at a pivotal moment for dialogue between the cruise sector and policymakers, as Europe defines the next phase of its transport, tourism and climate agenda. The cruise industry supports economic growth and regional connectivity, while progressing environmental technologies and practices that align with Europe’s sustainability objectives. “
Madeira recorded its strongest cruise season to date in 2024/25, welcoming more than 740,000 cruise passengers and generating €61.4 million in direct economic impact for the regional economy. The destination was also recognised as Europe’s Best Cruise Destination 2025 by the World Cruise Awards.
Madeira’s ports and regional authorities have continued to invest in digitalisation, environmental monitoring and energy transition initiatives, reinforcing the region’s readiness to support sustainable cruise operations and long-term destination resilience.
Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Regional Government of Madeirasaid:
“Madeira confirms itself as a strategic hub for the cruise industry by hosting the CLIA European Summit 2026. This is a forum of leaders and decision-makers from across Europe, discussing trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector. Hosting this event in Madeira reinforces our position in the Atlantic, strengthens the regional economy, and highlights Madeira’s commitment to sustainable and innovative growth in cruise tourism.”
Paula Cabaço, President of Madeira Portssaid:
“Hosting the key players of the international cruise industry in Madeira is a great pride and a unique opportunity to showcase the excellence of our ports, the quality and diversity of our tourism offerings, and the Region’s capacity to lead innovative and sustainable projects.
The Ports of Madeira are firmly committed to sustainability, digitalization, and decarbonization, and they aim to be part of the sector’s future, a future that is also beginning to take shape here at this conference. This meeting reinforces the industry’s confidence and underlines the strategic importance of Madeira in the European cruise landscape.”
The CLIA European Summit 2026 is supported by industry partners, with RINA serving as Diamond Sponsor, alongside Platinum Sponsors Crum & Forster Insurance, Lloyd’s Register, TAP Air Portugal and Wärtsilä, and sponsors from across Europe’s maritime and cruise value chain. The full list of sponsors is available: https://events.cruising.org/european-summit-2026/sponsors.
For updates, visit: https://events.cruising.org/european-summit-2026/
For additional information reach out to:
OmnicomPRGroup Portugal
Sónia Matos: sonia.matos@omc.com | 96 733 03 42
Mafalda Gomes: mafalda.gomes@omc.com | 93 334 21 31
