Spain consolidates its position as the second largest cruise market in Europe

In 2015, a new historical record could be set if the 8 million cruise passengers mark is exceeded as planned.

• 7.6 million cruise passengers and 3,702 cruise ships arrived at Spanish ports in 2014
• “Ports of Spain”: the Spanish delegation meets in Miami at the world’s largest cruise trade fair

Spanish ports have become European leaders in cruise traffic in recent years. In 2014 alone, 7,662,010 cruise passengers visited one of the 46 port facilities aboard 3,700 cruise ships, figures that solidify this type of tourism. Expectations are positive, and according to forecasts by the Port Authorities, a record 8.1 million cruise passengers could be reached in 2015.

Despite the fact that Spain's main cruise ports are located in the Mediterranean, it is the ports of the Canary Islands and those on the Atlantic-Cantabrian coast of the Iberian Peninsula that have experienced the greatest increase, particularly the Canary Island ports. Thus, the ports under the jurisdiction of the Port Authority of Las Palmas (Las Palmas, Salinetas, Arinaga, Arrecife, and Puerto Rosario) exceeded one million passengers, with an increase of 28.3%, and those under the jurisdiction of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Los Cristianos, San Sebastián de La Gomera, and La Estaca) reached 848,159 passengers, with an increase of 6.7%.

The average growth in the Atlantic-Cantabrian ports of the Iberian Peninsula was more modest, at 3.4%, although they still exceeded 855,000 passengers. The Bay of Cádiz stood out in absolute numbers with 381,285 passengers, while Ferrol (+259%) and Bilbao (+43%) showed the strongest growth.

The Spanish Mediterranean ports, with the two main destinations in all of Europe (Barcelona and the Balearic Islands), continue to account for 64% of the total cruises in Spain with 4.9 million passengers, and that, despite the declines in Barcelona and Valencia, they have had the recovery of Malaga (+2.7% and 407,870 passengers) and Motril (+28.6% and 19,589 passengers).

 CRUISE PASSENGER TRAFFIC

Spain presents a comprehensive offering in Miami, extending its "Blue Carpet"

Representatives from all Spanish ports that host this type of tourism will meet between March 17 and 19 in Miami (USA) at the most important trade fair in the sector held worldwide.

The “Ports of Spain” stand, covering nearly 700 m²^,hosts 25 Port Authorities and companies from sectors related to port activity and tourism. New this year, in addition to the space dedicated to ports and tourism promotion agencies, is a 100 m² area^for companies related to the cruise industry, recreational boating, shipping agents, and operators such as Pymar, Estela Shipping, the Melilla Maritime Station, BC Tours, Bergé, and Trasmediterránea.

Thus, under the slogan “Blue Carpet: The Spanish Cruise Industry, more than just first class Ports” the possibility is offered to immerse oneself in our culture through the ports, with an immense variety of offers and destinations that cover the entire Spanish geography.

Cruise tourism generated 26,389 jobs in Spain and the impact of its activity amounted to 1.255 billion euros

According to the latest report published by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Europe, “Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the Economies of Europe,” 200 cruise ships with a capacity of 250,000 passengers operated in Europe during 2013. A total of 31.2 million passengers embarked, visiting one of Europe's 250 port cities. The economic impact of this activity is estimated at €39 billion, with direct spending by cruise lines, passengers, and crew amounting to €16.2 billion, and 339,400 jobs created.

These figures, extrapolated to Spain, showed a business volume of €1.255 billion, generating a total of 26,389 jobs. Spanish ports' revenue from passenger fees amounted to €19 million.

7 out of 10 European cruise passengers choose Mediterranean ports as their preferred destination

The 40 largest cruise ports in Europe, including those on the non-European Mediterranean coast, welcomed 32.8 million cruise passengers in 2013, representing an average increase of 4%. According to the same data, 70% of cruise passengers opted for a Mediterranean itinerary, with 23.1 million people visiting a European port in 2013. Italy, with 9 ports, was the most visited country, followed by Spain with 7 ports, Greece with 5, and Germany and France with 3 each.

According to the latest Seatrade report, "End of the beginning for cruising," Italy received 6.9 million cruise passengers in 2013, accounting for 22.4% of the European total. Spain, with a 16.8% share and 5.2 million cruise passengers, ranked second in Europe, followed by Greece with 14.8% and 4.6 million passengers, Norway with 9.7% and 3 million, France with 7.7% and 2.4 million, Portugal with 3.7% and 1.1 million, and the United Kingdom with 2.8% and 866,000 passengers.

Source: CLIA Europe, State Ports