The Port of Almería is attending the fair to promote cruises, joining the other Andalusian ports in a joint stand.
The Port Authority of Almería is attending as an exhibitor at the world's leading cruise trade fair, Seatrade Cruise Global, which takes place in Fort Lauderdale (Florida, United States).
The presence of Andalusian ports has been made possible through collaboration with Turismo Andaluz, within the framework of the Andalusia Cruise Master Plan, which has been underway for two years. Furthermore, the Andalusian delegation is part of the Spanish "Blue Carpet" pavilion, coordinated by State Ports, which includes all Spanish ports.
The aim of Almería's presence at this fair is to increase contacts with representatives of cruise lines, and to publicize the varied leisure activities being developed in Almería aimed at cruise passengers.
Representatives from the Port of Almería will have a full agenda of activities during their stay in Fort Lauderdale. Almería, as a cruise destination, has seen improvements in its promotional materials, particularly since the establishment of the Almería Cruise Club within the Bahía Almeriport Foundation. For the Seatrade Global trade show, a promotional kit has been prepared that includes, among other items, audiovisual materials and an updated brochure with carefully curated written and photographic information. This kit is specifically designed for cruise line professionals, including those responsible for developing new cruise itineraries and those in charge of shore excursions.
The Port develops the promotion of Almería as a cruise destination in collaboration with the other tourism institutions of Almería (Tourism Service of the Provincial Council of Almería, the Tourism Department of the City Council of Almería and the Tourism Delegation of the Junta de Andalucía).
New to the fair this year are several film-themed tour packages. Specifically, there's a city tour that includes a walk through the streets of Almería that have served as locations for famous films, and a full-day tour that includes a visit to the natural filming locations in the Tabernas Desert.
The Port of Almería now has a stable number of cruise ship calls each year. The forecast for passenger numbers is satisfactory, with expectations that in 2016 more than 30,000 cruise passengers will arrive on 37 calls.
In the words of the president of the Port Authority of Almería, the Port “is working to achieve a strong position as a port of call for cruises sailing the Western Mediterranean and to become one of the most popular choices for cruise lines. The increase in port calls announced for 2016 is the result of several factors, including the strengthening of the Andalucía Cruises brand and the ongoing promotion undertaken by the Port through various initiatives to showcase its facilities and the great potential of Almería as a cruise tourism destination.”
