Barcelona hosted the second edition of the Professional Conference on Cruises and Recreational Boating, solidifying its position as a leading forum for analyzing the strategic role of both industries in the region's tourism and maritime economy. The event took place on February 17th at the Nobu Barcelona Hotel and brought together executives, companies, and professionals connected to these sectors.
The event, organized by Cruises News Media Group, Bespoke PR & Communication Strategies, and Cruise & Ports, with the support of various entities in the tourism and maritime sector such as Iryo, Grupo Juliá, Club of Course, and the Nobu Hotel in Barcelona, addressed the evolution of cruise tourism and the nautical industry for medium and large vessels, as well as its growth prospects, new developments, innovation, investments, and job creation. The program included several technical presentations focused on key aspects of the sector, such as supply logistics for cruise ships and yachts, with the participation of the local supplier Albatros Logistic, and the local recruitment of crews by the Spanish company Crew MC. Roundtables were also held with representatives from cruise lines, tour operators, marinas, and port authorities.
Round table discussion on cruises
The panel began by presenting the ships under construction or planned for the coming years, in which a rebound in the luxury segment is observed.
The debate on the evolution of cruise tourism brought together representatives from key companies and industry players, including Jorge Serrano, Commercial Director of Costa Cruises; Carlos Bañó, Commercial Delegate of Mundomar Cruises, representing Virgin and Princess; Mar Pérez, Head of Cruises at the Port of Barcelona; Sandra Yunta, Director of the MSC Cruise Terminal; and Alex Busquets, Commercial Vice President, who presented the new cruise line Corazul Cruises, which begins operations in July of this year. Together, they analyzed new market trends, demand segmentation, and the importance of Barcelona as a homeport and strategic destination. The Port of Barcelona is currently undertaking an infrastructure renovation project. They also discussed opportunities related to new ships arriving in the city, ship inaugurations and christenings in the port this year, and services and operations associated with port activity. The cruise lines present reaffirmed their commitment to the city.
Medium and large-length boats
To provide context for the large yachting sector in Spain, Kerry Allerton, Business Development Manager at Evolution, a shipping agent specializing in large yachts, gave an initial presentation. She offered general industry data and explained how a company of this type handles all the details involved in managing the day-to-day operations of these vessels, from legal procedures and service provision to berth reservations, legal representation in port, bunkering, and all types of logistics. The yachts range from 24 to 180 meters in length, with crews of 3 to 83 members.
He also highlighted the increase in large vessels, by almost 5% between 2011 and 2025, with a total of 6312 superyachts in the world and the length is expected to grow by about 50 meters on average by 2026.
The round table discussion on the economic and social impact of large yachting was moderated by Eva Miquel Subías, founder of the new firm Bespoke, which specializes in communications consulting with a focus on the maritime sector. Joining Kerry Allerton on the panel were Miguel Ángel Lliteras, Director of Pendennis-Vilanova; José Ángel González, CEO of Azulona Marinas (Marina Vela); Ignacio Erroz, CEO of Marina Port Vell; and Nicolás González, Director of Marina Sant Carles.
The debate covered all activities associated with large yachts, their economic impact, the rise of new professions within the industry, the different ways of managing marinas and yacht harbors, the importance of refit and repair, provisioning, and other services related to the medium and large yacht sector. The differences between private yachts and chartering, which is clearly on the rise, were also addressed. This sector ensures the revitalization of the industrial fabric in the region thanks to the new professions associated with the auxiliary industry, as well as the growth of companies focused on high-end tourism related to onshore offerings designed for owners and their high-spending guests.
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 and entities interested in the dissemination of these activities among their tourist and port communities, as well as with the collaboration of private associations and groups of companies that intend to bring the potential of both sectors closer to their clients for commercial interests.
The Club Of Course, a networking club in the tourism sector, is the driving force behind the event, which is part of the Wanderlust program, held in Barcelona at the Nobu Hotel during those days.
Consolidation of the format
This second edition confirms the consolidation of a format that aims to bring the real impact of the blue economy closer to the tourism and port community, fostering dialogue between government agencies, businesses, and professionals. The event reinforces Barcelona's position as a strategic hub for the cruise and nautical industry in the Mediterranean.
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