Madeira to Host CLIA European Summit 2026: A Crucial Gathering for the Cruise Industry
Madeira GuideThe CLIA European Summit 2026 will bring together cruise industry leaders and policymakers in Madeira to discuss sustainable growth and connectivity from February 23-26.
Madeira is set to become the epicenter of the European cruise industry as it hosts the CLIA European Summit 2026 from February 23 to 26. Organized by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the largest trade association in the global cruise industry, this pivotal event will focus on sustainable growth and connectivity of cruise destinations.
Held in partnership with the Regional Government of Madeira and the Administration of Ports of Madeira (APRAM), the summit will serve as the primary platform for cruise policy discussions in Europe. It will bring together leading figures from cruise companies, European institutions, national and regional governments, ports, shipyards, and maritime leaders.
Key topics on the agenda include the economic and regional development contributions of the cruise industry, decarbonization strategies, and port infrastructure preparedness. The summit aims to position Madeira as a central hub for dialogue on the cruise sector's role within Europe's transportation, tourism, and climate policy frameworks.
Notable attendees include Hugo Espírito Santo, Secretary of State for Infrastructure; Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Regional Government of Madeira; José Manuel Rodrigues, Regional Secretary for Economy; Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism; Mato Franković, Mayor of Dubrovnik; Bud Darr, President and CEO of CLIA; Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises; Patrick Verhoeven, Director-General of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH); Sotiris Raptis, Secretary-General of the European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA); and Christophe Tytgat, Secretary-General of SEA Europe. These leaders, among others, will contribute to comprehensive discussions over four days.
For Madeira, hosting such an event is not only a boost to its reputation as a prime cruise destination but also a significant opportunity to influence the future direction of the cruise industry in Europe. The summit is expected to foster partnerships and collaborations that will benefit both the local economy and the broader European cruise sector.
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Madeira Guide
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