The city of Alicante is bidding to host the CLIA European Summit 2027, an event organized by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) that will bring together key players in the European cruise sector. The summit, initially scheduled between March 8 and 11, 2027, aims to make Alicante the sector's epicenter for four days.
Alicante's selection as host would allow executives from major cruise lines, representing approximately 95% of international cruise traffic, to experience firsthand the facilities at Pier 14 and the tourist offerings of the Costa Blanca. This could lead to new calls in the coming years and even establish Alicante as a home port for passenger embarkation, a model that generates greater economic return due to the potential for overnight stays.
The board of directors of the Port of Alicante approved the submission of this bid, declaring the event of "port interest" due to its economic implications and reputational impact. The meeting highlighted the event's importance, gathering executives from shipping lines, ports, tourist destinations, institutions, and specialized companies—key profiles for itinerary planning.
Previous editions of the congress have been held in cities such as Genoa (2024), with nearly 2,000 participants, and Rotterdam (2025), with 750 attendees. For the 2027 edition, which Alicante is vying for, an estimated 400 to 500 participants are expected to attend, addressing topics such as environmental sustainability and technological innovations in the sector. CLIA will announce the chosen city in the coming weeks.
