MedCruise successfully concluded its 66th General Assembly in Cartagena, Spain, celebrating the growth of cruise tourism and the 150th anniversary of the port.
The event brought together over 26 delegates from 20 cruise lines, alongside 47 MedCruise member ports and 22 associate members.
The Assembly addressed sustainability, innovation, and local community engagement while introducing three new Associate Members including the Amalfi Coast Cruise Terminal.
The discussions on the future of cruise tourism focused on topics such as itinerary evolution, artificial intelligence in tourism, and environmental innovation.
The event concluded with tailored shore excursions in Cartagena, offering an opportunity to appreciate the region’s rich maritime and cultural legacy.
- Celebration of Cartagena’s Growth as a Cruise Destination: Cartagena has transformed into a premier cruise destination, evolving from 49 cruise calls and 68,000 passengers in 2009 to a projected 192 calls and 250,000 passengers in 2025. This growth reflects strong collaboration between public institutions and investments in port and tourism infrastructure.
- Focus on Sustainability and Innovation: Discussions emphasized sustainability, with panels addressing environmental innovations, such as cruise berth electrification and LNG bunkering services, and the role of artificial intelligence in tourism. The assembly highlighted a commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth in the Mediterranean cruise sector.
- Community Engagement and Passenger Experience: A key panel, “Cruise Passenger Experience & Community Engagement,” discussed the logistics of adopting a people-first approach, focusing on minimizing community disruption while maximizing local impact. Crew members were recognized as vital cultural bridges between ports and cruise lines.
- Industry Collaboration and Networking: The event hosted over 165 delegates, including 26 representatives from 20 cruise lines, 47 MedCruise member ports, 22 associate members, and 8 international media representatives. Exclusive B2B meetings, working groups, and panel discussions facilitated collaboration on itinerary evolution, port infrastructure, and industry trends.
- Introduction of New Associate Members: Three new associate members—Amalfi Coast Cruise Terminal, Gelasakis Shipping Agency, and Global Cruises—were formally introduced, strengthening MedCruise’s network and commitment to expanding its influence in the cruise industry.
- Showcasing Cartagena’s Cultural and Historical Appeal: Attendees experienced Cartagena’s 3,000-year history through guided tours, including the Roman Theatre, Roman Forum, and Castle of La Concepción. The social program featured a Gala Dinner with a renowned local liqueur and a Farewell Dinner with local music and dance, highlighting the city’s vibrant heritage.
- Strategic Discussions on Industry Future: Sessions covered critical topics such as Mediterranean cruise itinerary development, passenger experience optimization, and port infrastructure planning. The assembly served as a platform to address emerging trends, technological advancements, and governance within the MedCruise association.
- Cartagena’s 150th Port Anniversary: The event coincided with the 150th anniversary of the Port of Cartagena, reinforcing its significance as a host and its role as a leading cruise destination. The assembly was supported by the Port Authority and local authorities, showcasing regional tourism achievements.
- Promotion of Gibraltar and Other Destinations: The Gibraltar Tourist Board participated, engaging in meetings to promote Gibraltar as a premier cruise destination and focusing on sustainable tourism initiatives, reflecting the assembly’s broader goal of destination development.
- Recognition of Regional Tourism Success: Cartagena was highlighted as the “tourism capital of the Region of Murcia,” with record-breaking tourism figures in international visitors, overnight stays, and tourism-related employment, underscoring the economic impact of cruise tourism.
Theodora Riga shared: “On the occasion of the 66th General Assembly of MedCruise, Cartagena has offered not only a stunning backdrop steeped in history and culture but also a compelling example of how strategic vision and collaboration can transform a port into a leading cruise destination. In a world defined by constant change, the greatest challenge for our ports and destinations is to identify future trends and determine how best to respond to them. These topics resonated strongly with attendees, reflecting a shared commitment among MedCruise members and cruise lines to foster meaningful connections with local communities across the Mediterranean. These excursions offered a memorable conclusion to the Assembly, combining relaxation, discovery, and a deeper appreciation of the host region’s rich maritime and cultural legacy.”
