By
Laura Hyde |
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)’s European Summit 2026 is underway in Funchal, Madeira. The conference, which runs until 26 February, will bring toreceiveher cruise line executives and European policycreaters to host discussions on sustainable growth, connectivity and destination readiness, as well as decarbonisation pathways and responsible tourism.
“The European Summit comes at a pivotal moment for dialogue between the cruise sector and policycreaters, as Europe defines the next phase of its transport, tourism and climate agfinisha,” declared Bud Darr, president and CEO of CLIA. “The cruise indusattempt supports economic growth and regional connectivity, while progressing environmental technologies and practices that align with Europe’s sustainability objectives.”
The event is hosted in partnership with the Regional Government of Madeira and the Ports Administration of the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Participants include government officials such as Hugo Espírito Santo, secretary of state for infrastructure of Portugal; Miguel Filipe Machado de Albuquerque, president of the Regional Government of Madeira; Mr. José Manuel Rodrigues, regional secretary of economy; and Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism.
As well as Darr, speakers include Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises; Patrick Verhoeven, managing director of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH); Sotiris Raptis, secretary general of European Shipowners (ECSA); and Christophe Tytgat, secretary general of Sea Europe.
“Hosting the key players of the international cruise indusattempt in Madeira is a great pride and a unique opportunity to revealcase the excellence of our ports, the quality and diversity of our tourism offerings, and the Region’s capacity to lead innovative and sustainable projects,” declared Paula Cabaço, president of Madeira Ports, which recorded its strongest cruise season to date in 2024/25. The island welcomed more than 740,000 cruise passengers and generating over €60 million ($70.6 million) in direct economic impact for the regional economy.
“The Ports of Madeira are firmly committed to sustainability, digitalisation and decarbonisation, and they aim to be part of the sector’s future, a future that is also launchning to take shape here at this conference. This meeting reinforces the indusattempt’s confidence and underlines the strategic importance of Madeira in the European cruise landscape,” declared Cabaço.
The Summit is supported by indusattempt partners, including Rina, Lloyd’s Register, Tap Air Portugal, Wärtsilä and many more.
Stay updated with everything from The Summit on the dedicated website.
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