On November 22nd and 23rd, some of the most influential professionals in the cruise industry, both national and international, will gather in Madrid. Executives from shipping companies, port authorities, tourist destinations, travel agents, tour operators, and industry suppliers will all be present at this year's International Cruise Summit.
The opening of this new edition will be led by Puertos del Estado (State Ports Authority), Turespaña (Spanish Tourism Institute), the Madrid City Council, and the Community of Madrid. Attendees will be able to enjoy roundtables and presentations covering topics such as "The Evolution of Cruise Ships," "Itinerary Design," "The Future of Destination Programs," "Product Sales," "Passenger Characteristics," and "Purchasing and Logistics for Cruise Lines.".
More than 300 delegates from around the world will attend this now unmissable event in the sector, which will be held at the NH Eurobuilding hotel.
ICS 2016 will feature, among others, speakers of the caliber of: Pierfrancesco Vago (President of CLIA Europe and Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises), who will deliver the opening address and industry overview; Jorge Vilches (President & CEO of GRUPO PULLMANTUR); Kerry Anastassiadis (CEO of CELESTYAL CRUISES); Shirley Henderson (Manager of Shore Excursions at CARNIVAL UK); Mark Robinson (President of INTERCRUISES SHORESIDE & PORT SERVICES); Clare Ward (Senior Commercial Planning Manager at FRED OLSEN CRUISE LINES); Marcus Puttich (Head of Port Operations at TUI CRUISES); Mario Zanetti (Vice President of Revenue Management, Itinerary Planning, Air and Sea Operations at COSTA CROCIERE); Helen Panagos (VP of Marketing and Sales for Crystal Yachts, Residences and Crystal Air Cruise Destination Experiences at CRYSTAL CRUISES); and Gianluca Suprani (Head of Global Port Development and Shore Activities, MSC CRUISES.
This sixth edition further strengthens Spain's image as the second most popular cruise destination in Europe and Madrid's position as a host city for major international congresses. Furthermore, Spain is consolidating its leadership in the sector thanks to its infrastructure and diverse destinations offering cultural and leisure experiences to suit all tastes. In 2015, 8.4 million cruise passengers visited Spanish shores, a 9.4% increase over 2014, reaching a record high. Barcelona also became the most visited European port throughout the year. Three other Spanish ports—the Balearic Islands, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife—are among the top eleven in this ranking.
