During early 2023, cruise passenger numbers have been increasing, reaching pre-pandemic levels and surpassing all forecasts.
So far this year, 3,106 cruise ships have operated in Spanish ports as a whole, which is 5.5% more than in 2019, before the pandemic.
However, taking into consideration the flow of cruise passengers in 2022, the figures have shot up to 56.6% more people on board cruise ships transiting Spanish waters. Up to last September, passenger traffic that has set foot in Spanish ports has reached 30.5 million, figures that exceed both those of 2019 and, of course, those of last year.
According to the summary of port traffic for the month of September 2023 carried out by Puertos del Estado, it can be seen that 431 cruise ships have been received in Spanish ports, making 3,106 so far this year, without considering those which, after the summer season, continue to arrive in ports such as Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, Las Palmas and Tenerife. Certainly, very good data for the cruise industry in Spain.
These encouraging figures will be discussed together with the challenges facing the future of the industry next week at the International Cruise Summit, to be held at the Hotel Meliá Castilla in Madrid on 14 and 15 November.
The main purpose of this edition is to provide an updated and comprehensive overview of the predominant factors influencing future decision-making, covering the short, medium and long term. This year, the event’s programme will focus on geopolitical issues affecting cruise routes, the importance of sustainability and emerging challenges in the field of progress, as well as analysing the global evolution of the market, which requires a comprehensive review of business strategies.
From Grupo Verlio, we believe that this is a good opportunity to connect with other people, to come back full of new ideas and to work on strategies to apply for the future, as well as to know the key points that we must emphasise from next season onwards.
The International Cruise Summit is undoubtedly a key event for the Group, and that is why we would like to invite you to attend, connect with our team, and learn about the different proposed solutions to the challenges we have to face in our industry.