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It was announced at a press conference today
in Santa Cruz that Tenerife will be the 2016 venue for the largest cruise
industry event focusing on the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas – Seatrade
Cruise Med (previously known as the Seatrade Med Cruise Convention).
Hosted by the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the three-day event will
take place from 21-23 September 2016 at the International Trade Fair and
Congress Centre in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Pedro Rodriguez Zaragoza, president of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de
Tenerife, explained 'It is a great honour, and we are absolutely delighted to
have this trade fair in Tenerife for the first time in the Atlantic Islands.'
The event will feature a showcase exhibition, conference and travel agent
training, with the conference focusing on a wide variety of topics including the
current state of the cruise industry in the Mediterranean region and its
adjoining seas, itineraries and shorex, the cruise line/port relationship,
shipbuilding and ship supply.
Andrew Williams, general manager for Seatrade was pleased to make the
announcement: 'We are delighted that Tenerife are hosting this important event.
As well as bringing together key industry leaders from across the world, it will
also showcase Tenerife's ideal location, facilities and everything this
fantastic island has to offer. Tenerife plays an extremely important role in
cruising in the Med and its adjoining seas, as already demonstrated by the
growth in cruise ship calls in this region.'
As a leading platform for discussion and debate on issues confronting the
Mediterranean's burgeoning cruise market, the conference is an integral part of
Seatrade Cruise Med. A comprehensive programme and high level speaker line-up in
2014 attracted almost 700 delegates, including many cruise line executives from
the world's leading cruise lines.
Tom Matesanz, vice president, communication and public affairs, CLIA Europe
(Cruise Lines International Association) reiterated how important the event is
for Tenerife. 'It is truly a great honour that they have set their gaze on
Tenerife for Seatrade Cruise Med 2016. Let me highlight that at a time when
collaboration is so important, Tenerife have shown that they can rise to the
challenge for everything this sector means. I would also like to highlight the
importance of this event to CLIA and all representatives of the cruise lines who
will, of course, be in full support. We know that Tenerife will ensure that all
attendees will have an enjoyable stay in Tenerife.'
Airam Diaz Pastor, director, projects & studies for MedCruise added 'First and
foremost this is a very special day full of joy and we have to thank Seatrade
that they have chosen Tenerife to be the host of Seatrade Cruise Med 2016. For
the first time in history the event will be held outside the Mediterranean but
that is because we are a member of MedCruise.
The mayor of the City of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Jose Manuel Bermudez Esparza
was also in attendance and was 'delighted' with the decision, explaining that
Seatrade Cruise Med will be 'the most important congress that has ever been held
in Santa Cruz, and an historical event for the city.
Complementing the conference sessions, the exhibition will see ports and
destinations, tourism authorities, cruise associations, ground handlers, tour
operators, port agents, technical equipment and hotel suppliers showcasing their
products and services to the cruise industry. The event will also feature a
travel agent training programme, and a full social programme for attending
delegates.
More than 3,500 participants visited the showcase exhibition in 2014 where over
180 exhibitors from all over the globe, including numerous companies new to
cruise, showcased their products and demonstrated innovations on the exhibition
floor. |
