For two days, the Port of Las Palmas Cruise Terminal brings together over 2000 professionals, including representatives from shipping companies, port authorities, tourist destinations, operators, shipyards, and specialized service providers. The event features 224 exhibitors and over 100 speakers presenting new tools and services to optimize port operations, call management, and passenger experience.
The inauguration was attended by Emma Bond, Global Events Director of Seatrade Cruise, who highlighted the "potential of this incredible cruise destination," chosen to celebrate the event's 30th anniversary. Also participating were Stephen Xuereb, Chief Operating Officer of Global Ports Holding; Beatriz Calzada, President of Puertos de Las Palmas; Pablo Rodríguez, Minister of Public Works; Teodoro Sosa, Second Vice President of the Gran Canaria Council; Carolina Darias, Mayor of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; and Gustavo Santana, President of Puertos del Estado.
The selection of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria as the host city underscores its importance as a strategic hub for cruise traffic. Beatriz Calzada, President of Puertos de Las Palmas, described the event as "Europe's most important showcase" for the sector, emphasizing the need for "more sustainable, efficient, and innovative ports," characteristics that, according to her, define the Canarian terminal as "the largest, most sustainable, and efficient in Europe."
The celebration of Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 strengthens the Port of Las Palmas' connection with the cruise tourism value chain, facilitating knowledge exchange and the identification of business opportunities. Stephen Xuereb of Global Ports Holding praised the Las Palmas Cruise Terminal as a global benchmark, calling it "a long-term investment in the destination" that enhances capacity, passenger experience, and lasting value for the local community.
Sustainability was a central theme. Teodoro Sosa, from the Gran Canaria Council, reflected on the need to "reduce emissions, move towards cleaner fuels, and improve water and waste management," as well as to "manage visitor flows and ensure coexistence with the population."
Pablo Rodríguez, Minister of Public Works for the Canary Islands Government, highlighted the potential of "maritime tourism and the blue economy" and the efforts to consolidate the archipelago as a "strategic enclave on international maritime routes," noting that the Canary Islands' ports recorded over 5.7 million passenger movements in 2025.
Mayor Carolina Darias emphasized the city's "deep maritime vocation" and how the event allows for "continuing to connect territories, cultures, and people to drive new opportunities for economic and tourist development."
Gustavo Santana, President of Puertos del Estado, underscored the relevance of Spanish ports, including Las Palmas, thanks to an "approach based on diversifying calls and developing greener, smarter, and more respectful tourism for cities and their surroundings."
The professional program of Seatrade Cruise Med addresses key trends affecting the sector, such as the growth of cruise activity, the evolution of Mediterranean destinations, passenger experience quality, and the long-term impact of the industry.
