The first conference on the economic-social impact and blue economy in the field of cruises and recreational boating, held yesterday in Castellón, promoted by Port Castelló and Fundación Port Castelló with the sponsorship of Diputació Castelló, Ayuntamiento de Castelló, Castelló Turismo and Simetría and organized by AWP Services and Cruises News Media Group, addressed in a didactic and practical way all these aspects that, with their particularities, both sectors share.
The president of the Port Authority of Castellón, Rubén Ibáñez, expressed in his opening speech his commitment to both sectors and the type of tourism they attract to the province: “We are a port of opportunities and we have the obligation to bring tourism closer to the province of Castellón by sea as well,” “We have a market niche that we want to conquer and the most important thing is that we are willing to conquer it,” he assured.
In the opening presentations of the day, the Director of the Port of A Coruña outlined the port's key features in both areas, highlighting the essential work of port agents, whose onshore services providing logistical support to vessels are indispensable. Marta Rodriguez Pinzas, General Manager of Noatum Cruise Services, presented the key services offered, including documentation, waste management, and provisioning, among others. She also explained the minimal need for cruise ships to take on water in port today, thanks to the availability of onboard water treatment plants. Carmen Fernández, General Manager of Crew Management and Consulting, presented the significant job opportunities available onboard and the open recruitment processes for Spanish applicants, further reinforcing the positive social and economic impact of the sector.
First round table
Representatives from cruise companies such as Giorgio Costa, Director of South Europe at Crystal Cruises; Rafael Moreno, Commercial Director of Explora Journeys; and Roel Thierie, co-founder and Vice President of Operations at Alma Cruises; participated in the first round table of the event, moderated by Virginia López Valiente, CEO of Cruises News Media Group, along with Irina Solomatina, Shorex operation Manager Spain of BC Agency and Mateo Busilacchio, Commercial Development Manager Spain of Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services, both tour operators of excursions.
The debate highlighted the commitment of all cruise lines and their suppliers to sustainability. Topics discussed included electric connectivity in port, and the evolution of excursions in recent years, driven by both the reduced use of vehicles and the increasingly discerning tastes of passengers, especially those in the premium segment who are more experienced travelers and seek more unique experiences. Castellón can capitalize on the opportunity presented by this moment when cruise lines need more diverse and less developed destinations.
Recreational boating
To contextualize the nautical sector in Spain, Carlos San Lorenzo, Secretary General of ANEN, the industry association, presented key data demonstrating the growth of the activity and the opportunities it offers to the cities that host it. Since the pandemic, more than 400,000 new skipper's licenses have been issued, which, together with the boats already visiting our coasts, makes this type of tourism a significant activity.
A second roundtable discussion of the day, entitled “Economic and Social Impact of Recreational Boating,” was moderated by Eva Miquel, managing partner of aWp Services. Participants included renowned professionals such as Nicolás González, General Manager of Sant Carles Marina; Maribel Vela, Manager of the Sant Feliu de Guíxols Yacht Club; Rafael Aznar, General Manager of D-Marin Epsaña; and Miguel Ángel Lliteras, Manager of Pendennis-Vilanova Grand Marina. The discussion covered all activities associated with boating, including refit and repair, provisioning, and other services for vessels of all sizes. Chartering was also discussed, highlighting its growing appeal to new enthusiasts. This sector is expected to revitalize the local industrial fabric thanks to the new professions associated with the auxiliary industries.
The event was closed by the Councillor for Tourism of the Castellón City Council, Arantxa Miralles and the General Director of Tourism GVA, Israel Martínez.
Eva Miquel Subías and Virginia López Valiente are the creators of the format and promoters of this type of event focused on the blue economy, in collaboration with the port authorities interested in disseminating these activities among their tourist and port communities.
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