Luxury cruises and large yachts are increasingly choosing Costa Brava ports, generating a significant socio-economic impact worth millions of euros.
A notable gathering of executives and directors from luxury cruises lines and large yacht marinas took place on November 27, 2024, in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. The event aimed to inform the public about social and environmental advancements in these segments and address concerns about their growth.
Maritime tourism is part of the so-called Blue Economy, which seeks to promote economic growth, social inclusion, and marine ecosystem preservation while ensuring the sustainability of oceans and coastal areas.
In this context, the cruise industry has reaffirmed its commitment to complying with environmental regulations and supporting sustainable practices and policies. Beatriz Orejudo of Lantimar detailed how shipping agencies manage ship provisioning, waste disposal, and fresh water supply, noting that 90% of the water used is produced onboard through desalination.
Experts such as Giorgio Costa (Crystal Cruises), Leandro Satústegui (Regent Seven Seas Cruises), Roel Thierie (Alma Cruceros), and Matteo Busilacchio (Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services), moderated by Virginia López from Cruises News Media Group, discussed measures cruise lines are implementing. These include eliminating single-use plastics, recycling all possible materials, and equipping new ships with shore power connection capabilities to shut down engines while docked.
The socio-economic impact of the cruise industry in Spain amounts to €5.67 billion and 80,000 jobs, according to CLIA, the industry’s association. In Costa Brava, the impact is €5.1 million, thanks to 58 calls by small luxury cruises in Palamós and Roses. These visits brought 53,000 high-spending passengers who enjoyed local gastronomy, private or small group excursions, and local shopping.
In 2025, a major development will be Alma Cruceros, a new Spanish cruise line, making a call at San Carles de la Rápita.
Carmen Fernández, a recruiter for cruise staff through Crew MC, the only specialized company in Spain, highlighted career opportunities in the cruise industry, emphasizing that crew members also contribute to the local economy during their free time ashore.
Nautical Industry and Large Yacht Sector
During a panel moderated by Eva Miquel, it was noted that the nautical industry generates approximately €12 billion and 80,000 jobs in Spain, including direct, indirect, and induced employment.
The expert panel included Ignacio Erroz (CEO of Marina Port Vell), Miquel Àngel Lliteras (Pendennis-Vilanova Grand Marina), Rafael Aznar (D-Marin and maritime consultant), Maribel Vela (Manager of Sant Feliu de Guíxols Yacht Club), Maria Sennacheribbo (Yachting Department & Itinerary Planning at Lantimar Group), and Jorge Bonal (Captain at Port Masnou).
They discussed the significance of marinas and services like shipyards for refit and repair, as well as combining top-tier infrastructure and attractive destinations to entice large yachts for winter berthing or transit stops.
Sennacheribbo highlighted the role of consigning companies in meeting the unique demands of megayachts, leveraging local networks for tailored services. Erroz emphasized the importance of events like the America’s Cup for marinas such as Marina Port Vell.
Aznar shared examples of sustainability and digitalization models in D-Marin’s premium marinas across Europe and the UAE, and factors influencing investment decisions in specific regions.
Vela underscored the importance of integrating with local communities, fostering social roles, promoting marine education, and balancing small and medium-sized boating activities with large yachts, noting that over 50 megayachts visit Sant Feliu de Guíxols during the high season.
Event Organization
The event was promoted and organized by Costa Brava Cruise Ports, Costa Brava Cruise Yachts, Ports de la Generalitat, Generalitat de Catalunya, Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board, the municipalities of Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Roses, and Palamós, Girona and Palamós Chambers of Commerce, AWP Services, and Cruises News Media Group.
Opened by Esther Roca i Isart, Director-General of Ports de la Generalitat, and Joan Plana i Sagué, Vice President of the Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board, it also featured Víctor Goitia, Head of Marketing at the Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board, who highlighted Costa Brava’s sustainability efforts. The event was concluded by Carles Motas i López, Mayor of Sant Feliu de Guíxols.
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