The AIDAcosma hosted a high-level event focused on innovation, circular economy, and public-private collaboration in the cruise sector.
The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife successfully hosted the 2nd Cruise Tourism and Sustainability Conference on board the AIDAcosma, in a joint initiative by the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, AIDA Cruises, and the Blue Economy Chair of the University of La Laguna.
Under the theme “Innovation and Sustainable Development in the Cruise Industry”, the conference brought together institutional representatives, sector professionals, port operators, academic experts, and cruise companies, fostering an open space for reflection and proposals for the future of this key industry within the blue economy.
A port perspective on the future of the cruise industry
A key highlight of the event was the presentation by Luz Marina Espiau Moreno, Head of Commercial and Business Development at the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Board Member of MedCruise. Her session titled:
“The Cruise Industry from a Port Perspective”
outlined the strategic roadmap being implemented by the Ports, focused on decarbonization, digitization, circular economy, and inter-institutional cooperation.
Espiau Moreno emphasized that the cruise industry should be understood as a comprehensive value chain that generates not only economic but also social, cultural, and territorial benefits. In 2024, the Ports of Tenerife welcomed over 1.4 million cruise passengers, with each ship call activating more than 20 local businesses.
As the only female technical speaker during the conference, Espiau Moreno’s contribution also stood out for bringing an inclusive and diverse perspective to a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Sector insights and high-level contributions
The conference was inaugurated by Pedro Suárez López de Vergara, President of the Port Authority, alongside representatives from the University of La Laguna and the Government of the Canary Islands. Notable speakers included:
- Manuel Maqueda, expert in circular economy, who delivered a keynote address on cruise sector sustainability.
- Federico Navarro Cabrera, who discussed current regulatory challenges facing the industry.
- José María Reyes Sarmiento, from the Port of Cádiz, presenting a successful case study on OPS implementation.
- Captain Cofalka, Master of the AIDAcosma, shared:
“Sustainable Operation of AIDA Ships”,
highlighting the onboard technologies that reduce emissions, optimize energy use, and move towards cleaner navigation. - Santiago Yanes Díaz, presented the Net-Zero Mar alliance, focused on maritime decarbonization and green port promotion in the Canary Islands.
Connectivity, resilience, and social value
Luz Marina also addressed emblematic cases, such as the positive impact of cruise tourism on the economic recovery of La Palma following the Tajogaite volcano eruption. In 2024, the island reached a record 254,000 cruise visitors, which significantly supported local businesses and revitalized tourism in the most affected municipalities.
The role of cruise tourism in urban regeneration, local employment creation, and air connectivity during the low season was also emphasized as key to sustainable development in island regions.
Education and community engagement
The event concluded by highlighting the educational program “All Aboard!”, promoted by the Port Authority, which engages primary school students with values such as sustainability, equality, and teamwork, reinforcing the port’s role as a social and educational stakeholder.
“This type of event not only contributes technical knowledge, but also builds an informed and engaged citizenry, reinforcing the port’s connection with its community,” noted Luz Marina.
The institutional value of hosting these events
Beyond technical exchange, the 2nd Cruise Tourism and Sustainability Conference demonstrated the importance of such gatherings as platforms for education, public awareness, and the strengthening of public-private partnerships. They showcase ports as open, sustainable, and forward-looking nodes, aligned with the communities they serve.
Through this event, the Ports of Tenerife reaffirm their leadership as a platform for innovation, sustainability, and cooperation in the cruise industry, advancing toward a model that balances competitiveness, environmental responsibility, and regional integration.
