The Covid-19 pandemic has paralyzed many economic sectors globally, including tourism. The virus halted cruise tourism worldwide, and in Spain, we experienced a year without cruises, except for coastal cruises in the Canary Islands. The consequence of this inactivity for the Valencian Community has been a reduction in cruise revenue, with transport service companies and tourist destinations in the province losing €56 million.
According to a study conducted by the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) and directed by the Valenciaport Foundation within the framework of the European Union's Co-Evolve project, each cruise passenger disembarking at the Port of Valencia spends an average of €146.50, generating €56 million in economic activity. This expenditure benefits the city of Valencia and an increasing number of surrounding municipalities. The UPV's breakdown details that the cruise community generates a turnover of €25.3 million: €17.5 million from cruise passengers, €7.2 million from the companies involved (pilots, tugboats, shipping agents, terminal, tour operators, Port Authority, etc.), and €0.6 million from the crew. This initial expenditure generates an additional €30.7 million in revenue resulting from spending in commerce, hospitality, transportation, cultural services, and food, among other sectors.
According to the study by the Polytechnic University of Valencia, the activity of cruise ships arriving at the Port of Valencia creates 637 jobs in the city's economic sectors, mainly in hospitality, commerce, transport or cultural and recreational services.
The report's data indicates that the vast majority of visitors come from Europe: specifically, 19.3% from Italy, 19% from Germany, 17.9% from England, and 10.6% from France. Outside of Europe, 10.2% of tourists arrive from the United States. The average length of stay for these visitors in Valencia is 4.1 hours for cruise passengers with a pre-booked excursion and 4.7 hours for those disembarking without a guided tour from the ship. Regarding the age distribution of cruise tourists stopping in Valencia, 37.9% are over 60 years old, 33.2% are between 41 and 60 years old, 15.4% are between 21 and 40 years old, and 13.6% are under 20. As for gender, 52.4% are women and 47.4% are men.
The Port Authority of Valencia is working in close coordination with the sector (shipping lines, tour operators, source markets, and public institutions) on "safe tourism" with strict safety protocols to welcome cruise passengers back once the various government bodies authorize it. In addition to the stringent protocols established by the shipping lines to enhance the safety of the destination, passengers, and crew, the Port Authority of Valencia and the cruise community have developed a diversified tourism offering within the city and its surroundings, including "bubble" excursions and a wider range of outdoor experiences.
Last year, the Port of Valencia approved the concession for the construction of the new terminal, intended for both regular ferry services and cruise ships. The project guarantees that 100% of the electricity needed to operate the terminal will be generated on-site from renewable sources, with zero emissions. It will also promote a circular economy and significantly reduce noise, with all berths equipped to supply electrical connections to ships.
