The Spanish port system, coordinated by State Ports and made up of 28 Port Authorities, which in turn manage 46 state-owned ports, is participating in the International Tourism Fair, FITUR, held in Madrid from January 18 to 22, to promote port facilities and services for cruise tourism and recreational boating.
After two years marked by the pandemic, the recovery of cruise passenger traffic has been decisive in 2022, with a movement close to 8 million cruise passengers - pending the closing data for the year - although it is expected that in 2023 these figures will equal the historical record data of 2019, a year in which more than 10.6 million cruise passengers were registered, positioning Spain as the second cruise destination in Europe, behind Italy, with the ports of Barcelona and the Balearic Islands standing out.
Fitur is the perfect opportunity to continue advancing in the cruise industry, a sector of vital importance for Spain, which is reflected in turnover figures of nearly 6 billion euros, its contribution to the national GDP of more than 2.8 billion euros, and its contribution to employment, with more than 50,000 jobs.
These advances are coupled with the quality of top-tier port services and infrastructure, which give our country an excellent international standing and prestige. In this edition, we will present the talk 'A Cruise Passenger in Spanish Ports: The Experience Begins Here,' to give tourism professionals an insight into what a cruise traveler can expect in Spanish ports from three perspectives: facilities, sustainability, and digitalization and innovation, all with a practical approach.
- SUSTAINABLE, CONNECTED AND INNOVATIVE PORTS: THE CHALLENGE OF THE NEW STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
It is important to highlight the commitment of Spanish ports to sustainability, as outlined in the new Strategic Framework for the Spanish state-owned port system, which guides the short-term transformation of Spanish ports from economic, environmental, and social perspectives. These new challenges are being addressed through specific projects aimed at promoting decarbonization; the use of alternative fuels; advancements in digitalization and innovation; and the full integration of ports with the cities that host them.
Likewise, one of the objectives of the Spanish port system is to reduce by 2030 the carbon footprint of port authorities by 70% and that of the entire port community by 50%, compared to 2019 levels.
- SPORT BOATING MAINTAINS STABILITY
The recreational boating sector is also of great importance to the Spanish economy. With a total of 300,000 moorings throughout the country, this industry contributes approximately 0.7% to the national GDP and generates more than 110,000 jobs.
The 2022 fiscal year ended with 5,847 registrations, maintaining stability throughout the year, according to data from the National Association of Nautical Companies (ANEN).
