Luxury cruises and large yachts are increasingly choosing Costa Brava ports, creating a significant socio-economic impact worth millions of euros.
MADRID – A remarkable meeting of executives and directors of luxury cruise lines and large yacht marinas took place on November 27, 2024 in Sant Feliu de Guixols. The event aimed to inform the public about social and environmental advances in these areas and address concerns about their growth.
Marine tourism is part of the so-called blue economy, which aims to promote economic growth, social inclusion and the conservation of marine ecosystems, while ensuring the sustainability of oceans and coastal areas.
In this context, the cruise industry has reaffirmed its commitment to comply with environmental regulations and support sustainable practices and policies. Béatrice Orejudo of L’Antimar details how the shipping agency manages vessel preparation, waste disposal and fresh water supply, explaining that 90% of the water used is sourced onboard through seawater desalination. It was pointed out that it is generated in
Mr. Giorgio Costa (Crystal Cruises), Mr. Leandro Satustegui (Regent Seven Seas Cruises), Mr. Roel Thierry (Alma Cruceros), Mr. Matteo Busiracchio (Intercruise Shoreside & Port Services), etc. experts discussed anti-cruise measures moderated by Virginia Lopez of Cruise News Media Group. line has been implemented. These include eliminating single-use plastics, recycling all possible materials and equipping new ships with a shore power connection that shuts down their engines while at berth.
According to industry association CLIA, Spain’s cruise industry has a socio-economic impact of 5.67 billion euros and employs 80,000 people. On the Costa Brava, the impact reached 5.1 million euros, thanks to 58 port calls made by Palamos and Rosas small luxury cruises. These visits attracted 53,000 high-spending passengers who enjoyed local gastronomy, private or small group travel, and local shopping.
In 2025, a major development is expected with the arrival of a new Spanish cruise line, Alma Cruceros, in San Carles de la La Pita.
Carmen Fernández, responsible for recruiting cruise staff through Spain’s only specialist company Crew MC, highlights the career opportunities in the cruise industry and emphasizes that crew members also contribute to the local economy in their free time once ashore. did.
Marine industry and large yacht sector
In a panel discussion moderated by Eva Mikel, it was pointed out that in Spain the shipping industry generates around 12 billion euros and 80,000 jobs, including direct, indirect and induced employment.
The expert panel included Mr. Ignacio Eros (CEO of Marina Portovel), Mr. Mikel Ángel Literas (Pendennis Vilanova Grand Marina), Mr. Rafael Aznar (D Marine and Maritime Consultant), and Mr. Maribel Vera. (Manager of Sant Feliu de Guixols Yacht Club), Maria. Sennacheribbo (Lantimar Group’s Yacht Division and Itinerary Planning), and Jorge Bonal (Captain of the Port of Masnou).
They discussed the importance of services such as marinas and shipyards for refurbishment and repairs, as well as the combination of first-class infrastructure and attractive destinations to attract large yachts as winter berths and staging areas.
Mr. Cennaceribbo emphasized the role of outsourcing companies in leveraging local networks to provide customized services and meet the specific demands of megayachts. Eros emphasized the importance of events like the America’s Cup for marinas such as Marina Portovell.
Mr. Aznar shared examples of sustainability and digitalization models at D-Marin’s luxury marinas in Europe and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the factors that influence investment decisions in specific regions.
Mr. Vera pointed out that more than 50 megayachts visit Sant Feliu de Guixols during the high season, promoting integration with the local community, developing social roles, promoting marine education, and small and medium-sized boat activities. and emphasized the importance of achieving balance for large yachts.
This event is promoted and organized by Costa Brava Cruise Port, Costa Brava Cruise Yachts, Porto de la Generalita, Catalunya Generalita, Costa Brava Girona Tourism Board, Municipalities of Sant Feliu de Guixols, Rosas and Palamos, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Girona and Palamos It was done. Commerce, AWP Services, Cruise News Media Group.
The opening was held by Esther Roca y Isalto, Director General of the Port, and João Plana y Sagüé, Vice-President of the Tourism Board of Costa Brava and Girona, and by Victor, Director of Marketing of the Tourism Board of Costa Brava and Girona.・Mr. Goitia also appeared. He emphasized Costa Brava’s commitment to sustainability. The event was concluded by Carles Motas y López, Mayor of San Feliu de Guixols.
Vicky is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of the TravelDailyNews Media Network. She is also responsible for day-to-day operations and financial policy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Business Management from the Athens University of Technology and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of experience in the travel industry, both academic and industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
