CLIA will hold its CLIA European Summit 2026 from February 23-26 in Funchal, Madeira, to discuss sustainable growth, connectivity, and destination readiness. The event is being organized in partnership with the Regional Government of Madeira and the Ports Administration of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM). CLIA today announced the high-level speakers who will participate in the Summit.
The CLIA European Summit, the leading policy forum for the cruise industry in Europe, brings together executives from cruise lines, European institutions, national and regional governments, ports and destinations, shipyards, and maritime industry leaders. The event will place Madeira at the heart of the cruise industry and serve as a platform for dialogue on the sector's role within European frameworks for transport, tourism, and climate policy.
Among the high-level participants will be Hugo Espírito Santo, Portugal's Secretary of State for Infrastructure; Miguel Filipe Machado de Albuquerque, President of the Regional Government of Madeira; José Manuel Rodrigues, Regional Secretary for Economy; Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism (intervention via video); Bud Darr, President and CEO of CLIA; Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises; Patrick Verhoeven, Director General of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH); Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General of the European Shipowners' Association (ECSA); and Christophe Tytgat, Secretary General of SEA Europe, along with national, regional, and municipal leaders from across Europe.
The discussions will address the cruise sector's contribution to economic growth and regional development, decarbonization pathways, port and infrastructure readiness, as well as responsible tourism and destination management, with particular relevance to island and Atlantic regions. The Summit will be held in the Portuguese Atlantic region of Madeira, reflecting the island's strategic position between Europe and the Atlantic and its growing role in the European cruise and tourism ecosystem.
Bud Darr, CLIA President and CEO, stated: “The European Summit comes at a pivotal moment for dialogue between the cruise industry and policymakers, as Europe defines the next phase of its transport, tourism, and climate agenda. The cruise industry supports economic growth and regional connectivity while advancing environmental technologies and practices aligned with European sustainability goals.”
Madeira recorded its best cruise season to date in 2024/25, welcoming over 740,000 passengers and generating €61.4 million in direct economic impact for the regional economy. The destination was also recognized as Europe's Leading Cruise Destination 2025 by the World Cruise Awards.
Madeira's ports and regional authorities have continued to invest in digitalization, environmental monitoring and energy transition initiatives, strengthening the region's readiness to support sustainable cruise operations and the destination's long-term resilience.
Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Regional Government of Madeira, stated: “Madeira confirms its position as a strategic hub for the cruise industry by hosting the CLIA European Summit 2026. This is a forum for leaders and decision-makers from across Europe, where trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector are analyzed. Hosting this event reinforces our position in the Atlantic, strengthens the regional economy, and highlights Madeira’s commitment to sustainable and innovative growth in cruise tourism.”
Paula Cabaço, President of the Ports of Madeira, stated: “Hosting the main players in the international cruise industry to Madeira is a great source of pride and a unique opportunity to showcase the excellence of our ports, the quality and diversity of our tourism offerings, and the Region’s capacity to lead innovative and sustainable projects.
The Ports of Madeira are firmly committed to sustainability, digitalization, and decarbonization, and aspire to be part of the future of the sector—a future that is also beginning to take shape here at this conference. This meeting reinforces the industry’s confidence and underscores Madeira’s strategic importance in the European cruise landscape.”
CLIA European Summit 2026 is supported by industry partners, with RINA as a Diamond sponsor, along with Platinum sponsors Crum & Forster Insurance, Lloyd's Register, TAP Air Portugal and Wärtsilä, as well as sponsors from across the maritime and cruise value chain in Europe.
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