Ports, shipping companies, operators and service companies analyzed in Roses how to turn each cruise stop and each stay of a large yacht into economic activity for local commerce, restaurants and businesses throughout the year.
Institutional representatives, port authorities, shipping companies, tour operators, and maritime service providers met yesterday, Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Hotel Terraza in Roses, for the second edition of the Costa Brava Cruise and Large Vessel Industry Forum, following the first one held in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. The event highlighted a key takeaway: the arrival of a ship triggers an economic chain that extends far beyond the disembarking passengers.
The ports of Roses and Palamós are gearing up for the 2026 season with 71 cruise ship calls and nearly 70,000 passengers, generating an estimated economic impact of €6.6 million. April and October are key months on the calendar, and there's even a scheduled call on December 30th, demonstrating the sector's ability to generate activity outside of the summer season.
The institutional presentations highlighted the collaborative work of ports, municipalities, the tourism board, and chambers of commerce through the Costa Brava Cruise Ports and Costa Brava Yacht Ports brands, to position the region in an international market that values both the facilities and what visitors discover on land. Norbert Bes, director of the Costa Brava Girona Tourism Board, presented the Costa Brava as a destination for luxury cruises and yachts.
Procurement for cruise ships benefits local producers
Serafín Blázquez Moguer, from Barcelona Europe Supply, gave a presentation on cruise ship provisioning. Food, beverages, hospitality products, transportation, and logistics services are among their regular needs. For local producers, it's a valuable business opportunity, but it demands strict adherence to quality standards and documentation requirements.
Economic activity is compatible with biodiversity
David Rodés Miracle, from Ocean Ecostructures, presented initiatives for the regeneration of marine biodiversity in ports, with submerged structures of his own technology of natural substrates and calcium carbonate that accelerates the creation of marine oases and promotes the fixation of species.
Cruises: where experiences are the great value of the destination
The cruise panel, moderated by Virginia López Valiente, CEO of Cruises News Media Group, brought together Dario Papa, from Mystic Invest Holding; Irina Solomatina, from BC Cruise Services; Tomás Fernández Gaspart, from CroisiEurope; and José Antonio de los Reyes, from Azamara Cruises – Travelconcept.
The director of CruisesNews illustrated the table by presenting the order book for cruise ships until 2039, noting that there are 80 orders, of which more than 40% correspond to the Premium-luxury segment.
The speakers agreed on the importance of offering experiences with a unique identity. Gastronomy, heritage, landscapes, Empordà wines, and interaction with local people are the most appealing elements, with offerings such as cooking classes, winery visits, excursions on small boats, and cultural activities in unique settings. On premium or luxury cruises, which are the most frequent visitors to the Costa Brava, the opportunity to explore at a leisurely pace, in small groups, and with personalized attention is particularly valued.
These types of cruises also typically offer longer overnight stays in port, allowing passengers to dine at local restaurants and attend cultural events. The Roses Carnival, for example, could be included in themed itineraries. This coordination between the cruise line and local authorities is established years in advance, making fluid communication between the two parties essential over time.
Large vessels: crews, training and services
The section dedicated to large yachts began with a presentation by Ana Vilches, commercial director of Marina Port Vell, who gave an overview of the state of the large yacht industry.
The nautical table, moderated by Eva Miquel Subías, from Bespoke PR & Communication Strategies, included Fèlix Llorens Palou, Councilor for Tourism and Economic Promotion of the Roses City Council and president of Port Roses; Gemma Castiñeira, from Estela Shipping Barcelona; Eugeni Figa, vice president of ACPET; Fernando Gaya, from Barcelona Nautic Center; Marc Bernadí, from the Ports d'Occitanie Association; and Vilches herself.
In this case, in addition to the economic impact generated by visits from large yachts and their passengers, the role of the crews was highlighted. During their extended stays, they spend money in the region and require accommodation, restaurants, transportation, and everyday services. The lack of specialized professionals was a shared concern: it is difficult to find personnel for seamanship, mechanics, electronics, refrigeration, marine carpentry, and onboard services, and English is essential. Participants called for a closer connection between businesses and vocational training programs, as well as better promotion of career opportunities in the sector.
During the question and answer session, the situation of the Roses boatyard arose. Ports de la Generalitat explained that its recovery is contingent upon legal proceedings and a precautionary measure, and that the intention is to recover the asset and then put its operation out to public tender. The issue highlighted the need for repair and maintenance services for both recreational boating and the fishing fleet.
The conclusion was shared: the Costa Brava has attractions to strengthen this tourism, but turning its potential into local benefits requires coordination, professionals and reliable services, so that each stop and each stay generates employment and activity beyond the summer.
The forum was opened by Esther Roca Isart, Director General of Ports of the Generalitat, and Josep M. Martínez, deputy of the Girona Provincial Council, and closed by Silvia Ripoll Cayuela, Mayor of Roses.
The day was organized by Costa Brava Cruise Ports, Costa Brava Yacht Ports, Ports de la Generalitat, Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board, Sant Feliu de Guíxols City Council, Roses City Council, Palamós City Council, Girona Chamber of Commerce, Palamós Chamber of Commerce, Cruises News Media Group and Bespoke PR & Communication Strategies.
