Gran Canaria takes center stage in the global cruise industry
This week, the Port of Las Palmas becomes the spotlight of the international maritime community by hosting Seatrade Cruise Med 2026, one of the world’s most influential cruise industry trade events
The Canary Islands, once a frontier cruise circuit, are now standing at the heart of industry growth: 2026 saw indeed a year-round activity that surpassed the 2-million passenger threshold in the combined Port Authority of Las Palmas records.
Gran Canaria, home of the Port of Las Palmas, maintains market leadership in business, investment & cruise activity.
Gran Canaria plays a central role in this success, consolidating its position as a leading cruise destination and maritime services base in the Atlantic. The Port of Las Palmas alone welcomed 1.1 million cruise passengers in the last year (Aug 2025 – July 2026), up +9.8%, while it also stands out for its high volume of homeport operations and exceptional passenger satisfaction.
Home to Europe’s largest cruise terminal, Las Palmas Cruise Port offers the infrastructure, innovation, and sustainability credentials needed to support the next era of cruising. Launched last winter season, the purpose-built €40 million cruise terminal provides a seamless, secured and digitized 14,000 m² facility featuring three boarding bridges and capacity to serve up to five vessels simultaneously. Equipped with cutting-edge tech to streamline operations and enhance guest experience, the terminal sits steps away from the city center, serving as the gateway to the island’s diverse natural resources and experiences.
Now that you are in Gran Canaria, let’s start a whole new conversation
Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 will bring together over 2,000 professionals from 97 countries, along with 180 exhibitors representing cruise lines, shorex operators, shipping agencies, tech companies, passenger service providers, and destinations
They will arrive at an island with a strategic value far beyond standard port operations. The Las Palmas port-hub is a one-stop-shop for bunkering (including sustainable biofuel blends) and ship repair, and it offers solutions in logistics, supplies, ground handling and other shorex services. Gran Canaria also provides an unmatched environment for tech companies, startups, and service providers to establish operations or develop pilots or launch global products and services -supported by unique financial incentives, including up to 45% tax credits for technological innovation and a 4% corporate tax rate.
If you are wondering why Gran Canaria boasts the highest average stay, why it shines as a premier homeport destination, why it is a must-call in all regional itineraries, why it is home for grand events, and why tech companies, startups, and shorex operators choose the island to scale their operations… see you at Seatrade Cruise Med!