The Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in collaboration with the Cruise Lines International Association of Spain, organized a webinar focused on providing updated information on the situation in La Palma following the volcanic eruption on the island. The webinar was attended by more than 20 executives from a dozen cruise lines, as well as several representatives from the port community and stakeholders involved in cruise operations on the island of La Palma.
The webinar began with a presentation by Carlos González, President of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. González emphasized the Port Authority's commitment to cruise traffic, particularly in La Palma, where tourism has a significant impact on the local economy. “La Palma is a key cruise destination due to the number of port calls and cruise passengers it receives each year. We all have the opportunity to support the island by maintaining cruise operations at the Port of Santa Cruz de La Palma, which is operating normally as it is located on the opposite side of the island from the volcano,” said the President of the Port Authority. González also mentioned that some cruise lines are operating and that cruise passengers are visiting the destination safely. Finally, the President of Ports of Tenerife proposed creating a working group to provide up-to-date information on the situation on the island.
Alfredo Serrano, Director of CLIA Spain, also participated as a speaker. Serrano highlighted the cruise lines' commitment to continuing to call at La Palma. "I would like to thank the Port Authority for organizing this webinar and all the cruise lines joining us today. We appreciate the initiative to create a working group, as mentioned by the President of the Port Authority, and we hope to continue operating in La Palma," said Serrano.
Next, the Minister of Tourism for the Canary Islands Government, Yaiza Castilla, spoke. Castilla offered the regional government's support to the cruise sector, both on the island of La Palma and throughout the archipelago, as part of the working group proposed by the President of the Canary Islands Association. "I will inform both the Spanish and regional governments of the request I have received from some cruise lines to increase passenger capacity to 100% on cruises calling at the Canary Islands, provided that all those on board are fully vaccinated," Castilla said.
On the other hand, Mariano Hernández, president of the La Palma Island Council, reported that only 8% of the island has been affected by the volcanic eruption and that most businesses are operating normally. “The island of La Palma is a safe destination that offers visitors an incredible experience thanks to its lush natural beauty, now including the opportunity to visit an active volcano. La Palma needs everyone's support more than ever to help the island's economy recover as quickly as possible,” Hernández emphasized.
María José Blanco, head of the Spanish National Geographic Institute in the Canary Islands, provided an update on the volcanic eruption. Blanco reported that air quality, which is being constantly monitored, meets minimum standards and poses no risk to the population. “La Palma is a safe destination from the perspective of the volcanic eruption, following the recommendations of the authorities. There is volcanic tourism worldwide that seeks to witness such a magnificent phenomenon,” Blanco added.
The head of volcanic emergencies on La Palma, Amílcar Cabrera, reported that all infrastructure, including the electricity supply, is functioning normally on the island, where all services are guaranteed. “We not only have the volcano but also many other resources that make this island very attractive to tourists,” Cabrera commented.
Finally, Samuel Hernández, the operations director for Intercruises in La Palma, provided information as a tour operator who maintained operations on La Palma during the eruption. “No tours have been canceled due to the eruption. We have a contingency plan in place to coordinate with local authorities if necessary,” Hernández added.
In addition to all the speakers, the webinar was attended by Raúl Camacho, Tourism Councillor of the Cabildo of La Palma; Javier Mora, Director of the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife; Carlos Concepción, Director of the Port of La Palma; Elisa Zamora, Director of the Commercial Department of Ports of Tenerife; and Paco Prieto, Security and Emergency Technician of La Palma, who was available for questions and answers from the attendees, as well as for future requests.
“Around 10% of the island is affected by the eruption and access is restricted. The port of Santa Cruz de La Palma is far from the volcano, so it is operating normally and excursions are proceeding as planned and safely for cruise passengers,” Zamora added. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port Authority will provide regular updates, as it is impossible to know when the volcanic eruption will cease. In any case, as already mentioned, only a small part of the island is affected and access is restricted.
