Thousands of visitors from more than 80 countries take to the streets of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria during the two-day event of one of the world’s leading cruise tourism trade fairs
For the first time in its 30-year history, the major international trade fair has been held inside a port facility
The staging of Seatrade Cruise Med at the cruise terminal of the Port of Las Palmas on September 16 and 17, attracting more than 2,000 participants from around the world, provided Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with a significant direct economic boost. The impact was reflected in high hotel occupancy rates during the event, as well as in a steady flow of international visitors across the city, particularly in the Puerto-Canteras area.
Seatrade Cruise Med, the leading cruise industry event focused on the Mediterranean and its adjacent seas, brings together cruise line operators, port authorities, tourism destinations and global service providers every two years. This year, for the first time since its inaugural edition, the trade fair was held at the Port of Las Palmas, marking the first time in its history that the event has taken place within a port facility.
Beatriz Calzada, President of the Las Palmas Port Authority, described the event’s reception as “magnificent”, adding that “being able to hold it inside the Port of Las Palmas has allowed us to showcase to the world’s leading cruise lines and tour operators the actual operational capabilities of our facilities and the benefits of the new terminal, which stands out as the largest and one of the most efficient in Europe.”
Calzada also highlighted the event’s impact on the local economy, both in the city and across the island. “Many sectors have benefited from Seatrade Cruise Med being held at the Port of Las Palmas, including services, hospitality and catering, retail and transport, among others. The participants in the trade fair have contributed to our economy while taking away with them a greater knowledge of our destination, our cuisine, our culture and our people,” she said.
This year’s Seatrade Cruise Med at the Port of Las Palmas “faithfully reflected the significant growth and strength of the cruise business in the Mediterranean,” said Emma Bond, Global Events Director at Seatrade Cruise. She described it as “magnificent” to see “so many leaders, innovators and professionals from across the industry come together in Las Palmas for two days of valuable discussions on cruise tourism in the Mediterranean and its adjacent seas, the development of new itineraries and, of course, the region’s fundamental role in the global maritime landscape.”
In her assessment of the event, Seatrade Cruise’s Events Director also expressed her “deep gratitude” to the hosts, as well as to all exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and attendees, “who have made this edition of Seatrade Cruise Med an outstanding success.”
The new cruise terminal served as the Port of Las Palmas’ calling card to the international cruise industry. For Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global Ports Holding, “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 event and demonstrated what modern cruise infrastructure can offer, including an enhanced passenger experience, greater capacity for growth and long-term value for the destination.”
For the Las Palmas Port Authority and its cruise operator, Global Ports Holding, key priorities for the cruise sector include continued growth in source-market diversification, reducing seasonality and expanding the premium and luxury segments. The presence of these companies at Seatrade provided an opportunity to hold direct discussions, understand their needs and showcase what the Canary Islands can offer in these areas.
Sustainability, one of the main topics of discussion alongside the future design of cruise ships and the transformation of international itineraries, was identified as one of the essential conditions for the sector’s future growth. “The development of cruise tourism must necessarily go hand in hand with sustainability, innovation and ever-greater integration with destinations, in line with the direction being set by the industry, and the Canary Islands must be at the forefront,” the Las Palmas Port Authority and Global Ports Holding stressed.
Contribution to the local economy
Beyond the event’s professional value and the international exposure it provides Las Palmas by hosting a trade fair of this scale, the event has delivered a highly positive impact on the local economy. The arrival of more than 2,000 delegates from over 80 countries has translated into a direct economic boost for multiple sectors across the capital of Gran Canaria, resulting in high hotel occupancy and a steady flow of international customers.
For retailers, fashion and craft shops and major shopping centres, the presence of these visitors provided a significant stimulus to sales throughout the week. Likewise, the restaurant sector experienced particularly busy days, with local cafés, terraces and restaurants also serving as venues for business meetings and commercial exchanges taking place across the city.
Local transport, particularly taxis and mobility services, also recorded a significant increase in demand to accommodate journeys between hotels, the exhibition venue and commercial and leisure areas. This dynamism demonstrates Las Palmas’ logistical capacity and highlights how hosting major international events generates tangible benefits that reach local self-employed workers and small businesses directly.
The importance of the event is reflected in its official attendance figures, with more than 2,000 participants representing over 80 countries. The venue hosted 224 exhibiting companies and welcomed more than 220 senior executives from the world’s leading cruise lines, who attend this strategic industry gathering each year.
