Cruise tourism is an important industry for Spain, and Spanish ports have suffered a decline in cruise traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, according to recent news reports, Spanish ports are recovering and are on the road to full recovery of cruise tourism.
The recovery of cruise tourism in Spain
Spanish ports anticipate full recovery of cruise traffic and cruise passengers by the end of 2023 following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In addition, cruise tourism in Spanish ports nearly doubled in the first four months of 2023, welcoming nearly one million cruise passengers in April, an increase of 95% over the same month last year. Although there is still a gap with respect to pre-pandemic levels, the trend is positive.
Investments in Spanish ports
The Port Authorities plan to invest more than 176 million euros in the modernization and improvement of Spanish ports. These investments include improvements in port infrastructure, the digitalization of processes and the improvement of environmental sustainability.
Participation in cruise fairs
Spanish ports of general interest participate in cruise fairs to promote themselves to cruise lines and travel agents following the loss of cruise tourism after the crisis caused by COVID-19. The aim is to promote port facilities and services for cruise tourism to more than 80 shipping companies, 500 travel agents and 200 specialized media.
The most important Spanish ports for cruise ship tourism
The Spanish ports with the most cruise passengers in the first three months of 2023 were Las Palmas, Barcelona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Malaga and Valencia. In addition, Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are the four Spanish ports of general interest that are included among the top fifty in the world in cruise traffic.
Conclusions
Spanish ports are recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cruise tourism. Although there is still a gap with respect to pre-pandemic levels, the trend is positive and a full recovery is expected by the end of 2023. Port Authorities are investing in the modernization and improvement of Spanish ports, and Spanish ports are participating in cruise fairs to promote themselves to cruise lines and travel agents. The most important Spanish ports for cruise tourism are Las Palmas, Barcelona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Malaga and Valencia.