Spanish ports lead sustainable cruise tourism at Seatrade Cruise Med

• The fair, held in Málaga on September 11 and 12, brings together the global cruise industry.
• The stand, led by Puertos del Estado, will host 25 port authorities and feature a packed agenda of presentations and meetings.

10-09-2024 (Puertos del Estado Public Entity). Puertos del Estado and the ports of general interest will participate in Seatrade Cruise Med, taking place in Málaga for the second consecutive edition on September 11st and 12nd. They will showcase their extensive range of facilities and services for cruise tourism, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and the integration of new technologies in the sector.

At the Ports of Spain stand, under the slogan "We welcome you as you deserve" 25 of the 28 Port Authorities will be present to highlight the competitive advantages of Spanish ports to cruise lines. Seatrade Cruise Med will feature over 180 ports, destinations, and suppliers, with more than 2,000 professionals in attendance.

As part of the event's packed agenda, the official inauguration will take place on September 11st, featuring a speech by the president of Puertos del Estado, Álvaro Rodríguez Dapena and an institutional welcome ceremony at the Puertos del Estado booth. Additionally, the Alicante Port Authority will present "Alicante, where the Mediterranean Sea Lives…", Suncruise will showcase the "Blue Destination in Andalusia" project and the Port of Tarragona will reveal its new sustainable and innovative cruise terminal to visitors.

On September 12nd, the Puertos del Estado-led stand will present one of the projects financed by the Puertos 4.0 fund, 'Guide Me,' supported by the Port of Barcelona. This digital platform will enable real-time management and optimization of cruise passenger flows. Details will also be shared about the general protocol of action signed between Puertos del Estado and the State-Owned Company for the Management of Innovation and Tourism Technologies SEGITTUR, aimed at promoting digital transformation in the port and tourism sectors.

In 2023, Spanish ports saw a record-breaking 12 million cruise passengers onboard 4,500 ships, solidifying Spain as the second most popular European destination for this type of travel. In the first seven months of this year, that figure reached 6.47 million. Collaboration between cruise lines, ports, and local institutions is key to ensuring sustainable sector growth, with a focus on mobility, sustainability, and the quality of the tourist experience in Spain.

Sustainability and Innovation: The Future of the Sector

Spanish ports' commitment to sustainability is reflected in several initiatives, such as the implementation of onshore power supply (OPS), allowing cruise ships to connect to the electrical grid while docked, reducing emissions and noise. Puertos del Estado aims for state-owned ports to be equipped to supply electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Additionally, measures are being taken to promote energy savings, minimize pollutant emissions, and foster digitalization and innovation, with the goal of fully integrating ports with cities and offering a high-quality tourist experience.

With this participation in Seatrade Cruise Med 2024, Spain reaffirms its leadership in the transition towards greener, more technologically advanced cruise tourism.