Global Ports Holding, together with Las Palmas Cruise Port, celebrated the opening of the new Las Palmas Cruise Port terminal with the event “A Night at the Terminal”, which brought together more than 1,000 representatives from the cruise industry, partners, local authorities and other stakeholders.
The celebration served as the official presentation of the new terminal to the industry and as a prelude to Seatrade Cruise Med 2026. The event, which commemorates 30 years since its launch, is being held for the first time at the terminal on September 16 and 17, with the participation of more than 2,000 cruise industry professionals.
The new Las Palmas Cruise Port terminal, covering 14,000 square meters, represents a significant milestone in GPH's investment in the Canary Islands. Designed to enhance operational capacity and improve the passenger experience, the terminal can accommodate up to four cruise ships simultaneously and serves as a modern gateway to Gran Canaria.
Attendees enjoyed an evening inspired by the destination's renowned carnival culture, with performances by troupes and batucadas, live music, carnival-inspired shows, acrobatics, and a spectacular drone show.
Ayşegül Bensel, Vice President of Global Ports Holding, stated: “Tonight we are celebrating much more than the opening of a new terminal. We are celebrating the cruise industry, our partners, and the future of Las Palmas as an increasingly important year-round cruise destination. We are especially grateful to the local authorities and our partners, whose collaboration and support have been fundamental in making this important project a reality.”.
Beatriz Calzada, president of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, stated: “I want to thank Global Ports for their confidence and their firm commitment to our ports. Today we are proud to inaugurate the largest cruise terminal in Europe, which reinforces the role of the Port of Las Palmas as a cruise hub for the Mid-Atlantic. Furthermore, coinciding with the Seatrade Cruise Med event is a milestone that allows us to showcase our port and our city to the world.”.
Susana Gutiérrez, Managing Director of GPH Canary Islands Cruise Ports, stated: “This new terminal gives us the opportunity to offer an enhanced experience from the moment passengers arrive, while creating a gateway that reflects the energy and character of Gran Canaria. Welcoming the international cruise community here for Seatrade Cruise Med is a very special way to begin this new chapter for Las Palmas Cruise Port.”.
Following its inauguration, the terminal hosted Seatrade Cruise Med 2026, bringing together cruise lines, ports, destinations, tourism authorities, and industry suppliers from across the Mediterranean and beyond. The event also allowed participants to experience the new facilities firsthand.
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