A graduate in Law from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, she is the president of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, a position she has held since June 2023.
With a newly opened terminal and record traffic figures, the Ports of Las Palmas are consolidating their position as a cruise hub in the Atlantic.
The ports of the Port Authority of Las Palmas have experienced an 18.33% growth in the first nine months of the year, with 1,236,092 passengers. What figure is expected by the end of the year?
The outlook for the end of the year is very positive. If the trend continues, we are confident of reaching close to 2 million passengers, a significant milestone that reflects the dynamism of the sector and the work being carried out by this Port Authority.
However, in Las Palmas it is more common to compile statistics by season. What are your forecasts for the 2025-2026 season in terms of cruise passenger calls and movement?
The 2025–2026 season is shaping up to be very strong. Our estimates point to exceeding 2 million passengers and around 800 cruise ship calls. These figures demonstrate the cruise lines' continued confidence in our ports and the quality of the destination, representing an 18.33% increase compared to the previous season.
The new cruise terminal in Las Palmas, with 14,000 square meters of surface area, is the largest in Europe. What strategic objectives are being pursued with this infrastructure, and how is it expected to transform the passenger experience?
This new terminal was created with a clear vision: to reinforce Las Palmas as the major cruise hub of the mid-Atlantic. Its capacity to handle up to four ships simultaneously, both in transit and as a home port, represents a decisive step forward in efficiency and competitiveness.
The terminal features three state-of-the-art boarding bridges, shopping areas, a VIP lounge, and a large baggage handling area. All of this is set in a modern, bright, and fully accessible environment.
Our goal is for the passenger, from the very first moment, to perceive that they are arriving at a destination that takes care of the details and is prepared to offer comfort, efficiency and excellence.
Cruise traffic is a major economic driver for the city and the islands
In terms of sustainability and energy efficiency, what measures have been incorporated into the new terminal and cruise port operations?
The terminal incorporates measures such as the use of renewable energy, systems that optimize consumption, and practices aimed at improving daily efficiency. We want to grow, but to do so responsibly, in line with European environmental objectives.
What direct and indirect economic impact does cruise traffic have on Las Palmas, and how is the local community involved in this development?
Cruise traffic is a major economic driver for the city and the islands. Its direct impact is reflected in port services, shipping agencies, supplies, and transportation. The indirect impact is equally significant: commerce, restaurants, culture, excursions, and urban mobility all benefit from every cruise passenger and crew member who sets foot on land.
Likewise, there is a pull effect on air transport, especially linked to passengers at homeport, a relationship that is widely demonstrated.
If the trend continues, we are confident of reaching a figure close to 2 million passengers
How is the port of Las Palmas coping with the growing demand from luxury and expedition cruises, which are looking for ports with more personalized services?
We have adapted specific areas to serve smaller, high-standard vessels, offering more flexible, agile, and personalized operations.
Added to this is the natural appeal of the destination: Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura offer unique landscapes, culture, gastronomy and exclusive experiences, a combination that perfectly matches the profile of this type of passenger.
Looking to the future, what challenges and opportunities do you identify to maintain the leadership of the Port of Las Palmas in the mid-Atlantic cruise market?
Our main challenge is to continue growing sustainably while maintaining the highest operational quality standards. The sector is evolving rapidly: larger vessels, increasing environmental requirements, and passengers seeking more authentic experiences. Therefore, we firmly believe in continuing to invest in technology, clean energy, and digitalization.
The opportunities are enormous. Our geostrategic position, the constant modernization of our infrastructure, and our experience as a hub port place us in a privileged position. The winter market in the mid-Atlantic will continue to expand, and our aspiration is to lead it through excellence, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability.
