To be held from 15th to 17th October, combining innovation, sustainability and local development
The Andalucía Room at the Junta de Andalucía’s stand at FITUR has been the epicentre of the region’s ambitious plans for 2025 in the nautical and cruise tourism sector, with the presentation of CITCA 2025, the Joint Action Plan for the Promotion of Nautical and Cruise Tourism, and the latest report from the International Cruise Tourism Observatory (OBSERTUR 2024).
The event featured prominent representatives from the sector and institutions, including Gerardo Landaluce Calleja, President of Suncruise Andalucía; José García Fuentes, President of the Motril-Granada Port Authority; Luisa María García Chamorro, Mayor of Motril; Marifrán Carazo Villalonga, Mayor of Granada; and Víctor Manuel González García, Deputy Minister of Tourism and External Affairs for Andalucía.
Regarding CITCA 2025, which will take place from 15th to 17th October 2025, the congress promises to be one of the year’s most notable events in the tourism industry. The agenda will kick off in Motril with a Fam Trip organised by the Tropical Coast Municipal Association, allowing attendees to explore the region’s scenic and cultural richness. “Motril is the gateway to a world of opportunities. This congress will not only highlight our port and coast but also our gastronomy, heritage, and the ability of our businesses to compete in the international market,” stated José García Fuentes, President of the Motril-Granada Port Authority.
The opening day will also feature a workshop, providing a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs from the Tropical Coast, Granada, and Andalucía to showcase their services to international maritime and port industry businesses. According to García Fuentes, “Our goal is clear: to position Motril and the entire province of Granada as benchmarks in nautical and cruise tourism, fostering growth, competitiveness, and internationalisation of our SMEs while demonstrating that Andalucía is a strategic destination for both tourism and excellence in innovation,” he emphasised.
The congress will then move to Granada, a city that will provide its rich cultural and historical heritage as the backdrop for the sessions on 16th and 17th October. These days will feature panels and presentations focusing on innovation and sustainability, two core pillars guiding the discussions and proposals of CITCA 2025. “Granada will be the perfect stage to showcase to the world what Andalucía has to offer: tradition, modernity, and a unique vision of tourism,” highlighted Granada’s Mayor, Marifrán Carazo Villalonga. She also noted that “this congress, in addition to strengthening our position as an international tourist destination, enriches our understanding of the cruise industry and provides us with the opportunity to continue innovating and growing. It reflects the importance we place on tourism in Granada and its vital role in our economy and cultural promotion.”
Motril’s Mayor, Luisa García Chamorro, emphasised the significant growth the city is experiencing, as reflected in the announcement of the International Nautical and Cruise Tourism Congress of Andalucía, which the city will host in 2025. She described it as “a recognition of our territory’s potential, the unique beauty of the Tropical Coast, and the key role our port plays in cruise tourism, establishing itself as a boutique port of reference in Andalucía.” She added, “With the hosting of CITCA, Motril and Granada have joined forces in this project because we share a clear vision: to consolidate our province as a leading destination for sustainable, high-quality, and year-round cruise tourism.”
Deputy Minister of Tourism Víctor Manuel González García closed the event by highlighting the importance of these initiatives for the region’s tourism development: “The 2025 Action Plan, CITCA, and OBSERTUR are projects that go beyond promotion. They represent a comprehensive strategy combining sustainability, technology, and support for our businesses. Andalucía is not just a destination; it is a global experience.”
