Ibiza is one of the cruise destinations expected to experience the most growth in 2016. Projected increases include a 17.5% rise in port calls, with 141 confirmed, and a 26.57% increase in passengers, reaching almost 241,000. This marks Ibiza's second-best year ever, after 2012.
As part of the Balearic Islands Port Authority's (APB) strategy to differentiate the islands' ports, Ibiza is preparing to accommodate larger vessels. The three Alba ships currently under construction, capable of safely handling large cruise ships, will be operational by August. Furthermore, Ibiza offers a unique product: extended stays, allowing passengers to enjoy Ibiza's nightlife and take advantage of the ferry connection to the island of Formentera.
The APB has announced its forecasts for 2016 at the Seatrade Cruise Global event held in Florida, which was attended by the president of the Consell d'Eivissa, Vicent Torres, and the island director of Tourism.
The port of Mahón is also showing positive growth: 88 port calls in 2016 (a 3.5% increase) and 65,958 passengers expected (an 11.1% increase). The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) is promoting it as a "boutique port" in the Mediterranean, ideal for small and medium-sized cruise ships.
The same is true for Alcúdia, which is experiencing very high growth in percentage terms. This port is positioning itself in Mallorca as a destination for cruise ships up to 200 meters long, which are also making repeat visits. Thus, in 2016, 17 port calls are expected (240% more than in 2015), bringing 8,528 passengers to the island (a 525% increase).
La Savina will receive 12.63% more passengers (1,733) than in 2015, but 66.67% fewer ships (3 calls).
Finally, Palma will receive 1,532,595 passengers this year on 519 cruise ship calls, and although it has experienced a slight decrease compared to 2015 (-10.99% in passengers), the upward trend compared to previous years is consolidated.
Across all the ports managed by the APB, 768 port calls have already been confirmed for 2016, which will transport 1,850,000 passengers.
