Global Ports Holding Plc, the world's largest independent cruise port operator, announces that it has signed a 15-year management agreement to operate the cruise port of Havana, Cuba.
Under the terms of the agreement, Global Ports will begin managing all cruise operations at the port on June 21, 2018. In addition, the company will work with its Cuban partners on the design and technical specifications of the cruise port's investment program, including the proposed new terminals. Once this work is complete, Global Ports will be responsible for promoting and marketing these new facilities.
The agreement is part of a major Cuban investment in Havana's port and tourism infrastructure. The port currently has two piers and in 2017 received 328,000 cruise ship passengers, a 156% increase over the previous year, with a projected 500,000 passengers this year. As part of the investment program, the number of piers will increase to six by 2024, significantly increasing Havana's port passenger capacity.
“I am very pleased to have signed this agreement for the Havana Cruise Port, the first step in Global Ports’ growth strategy in the Americas. This spectacular city and country are becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination, with visitors drawn by its renowned architecture, vibrant music scene, and famous local hospitality. We look forward to working with our Cuban partners to provide a fantastic cruise port experience,” said Mehmet Kutman, President and Co-Founder of Global Ports.
