Virginia Quintairos on Hosteltur TV: Analysis of the Major Challenges and Opportunities for the Cruise Industry in 2026

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  • Intercruises highlights strong organic growth in Spain, with exceptional performance in the Canary Islands
  • Evolving guest demographics driving demand for soft adventure, gastronomy, smallgroup and authentic local experiences.

Virginia Quintairos, Managing Director of Intercruises, participated in a Hosteltur TV interview, “Analysis of the Major Challenges and Opportunities for the Cruise Industry in 2026,” with an emphasis on Spain. 

The panel brought together prominent leaders from across the sector, including representatives from cruise lines, industry associations, retail, and Virginia represented the destination and ground-handling segment.

In 2025, the cruise sector once again achieved record passenger volumes and ship calls in Spanish ports. Today, Spain stands as the second-largest cruise destination in Europe and the fourth-largest source market globally. 

It was an energetic and insightful debate, offering diverse and informed perspectives on topics such as:
• State of the cruise industry
• Key challenges and opportunities
• Alternative fuels
• Advances in sustainability
• Efficient passenger-flow management
• Evolving cruise passenger demographics
• Pricing vs. value
• Adapting the offer to changing customer preferences

In Spain, Intercruises delivers a comprehensive portfolio of services, including transportation, guides, shore excursions, accommodation services, logistics, and port agency services. 

Virginia shared an update on Intercruises’ continued organic growth in Spain:

• More than 3,000 cruise calls handled annually

• Over 1.1 million passengers taking part in shore excursions annually

• Exceptional growth in the Canary Islands

Virginia also highlighted the cruise industry’s leadership in adopting sustainable and alternative fuels, as well as the growing opportunities in emerging cruise destinations.

Intercruises continues to adapt to evolving traveler demographics and trends, with a diverse product portfolio serving the contemporary, premium, luxury, and expedition cruise segments, while meeting rising demand for soft adventure (hiking, cycling), gastronomy, small‑group experiences, and authentic interactions with local communities.

Watch the interview in Spanish here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDFcLa_SDPU&t=7s

Tip: turn on auto‑translated English subtitles!

For any enquiries, please write to communications@intercruises.com