CLIA Announces Alicante, Spain, as Host City for European Summit 2027

Europe’s cruise, tourism, and maritime leaders will gather on Spain’s Costa Blanca to help shape the future of destination stewardship, sustainable growth, and the maritime economy

Brussels, Belgium & Alicante, Spain — Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today announced that Alicante, Spain, will host the CLIA European Summit 2027, 8 to 11 March 2027, bringing together senior cruise executives, policymakers, port leaders, tourism authorities, and maritime stakeholders from across Europe and around the world.

Hosted in partnership with the Port Authority of Alicante, the City of Alicante, and regional tourism and business partners, the Summit will serve as one of Europe’s premier forums for dialogue on the future of cruise tourism, maritime policy, destination development, sustainability, infrastructure investment, and economic growth.

“The Mediterranean has connected people, cultures, and commerce for centuries. Alicante reflects that tradition while embracing the opportunities ahead. It is the ideal place to bring together leaders from across Europe to discuss the future of tourism, maritime growth, and destination stewardship,” said Bud Darr, President and CEO of CLIA.

Situated along one of Europe’s most important maritime corridors, Alicante combines a rich seafaring heritage with a modern vision for tourism, infrastructure, and economic development. Its thriving waterfront, growing role in Mediterranean cruise tourism, and commitment to collaboration have helped position the region among Southern Europe’s most dynamic and forward-looking destinations. Furthermore, Alicante is experiencing continued growth within the Spanish cruise eco-system, completing a significant terminal refurbishment and modernization in 2025 with an investment of and €2 million.

The Costa Blanca has built its success through partnership. Local leaders, tourism organizations, businesses, and port authorities continue to invest in experiences that strengthen communities, support economic opportunity, celebrate cultural heritage, and create meaningful connections between residents and visitors.

As destinations across Europe focus on balancing economic opportunity, community priorities, and growing demand for travel, Alicante offers an example of how collaboration between ports, tourism leaders, government, and industry can create long-term value. The region’s continued investment in visitor experiences, infrastructure, and destination development makes it an ideal setting for discussions about the future of tourism and maritime growth.

From the Eastern Mediterranean to the Atlantic coast, destinations across Europe are exploring new approaches to managing tourism, investing in infrastructure, strengthening connectivity, and enhancing the visitor experience. These conversations increasingly shape the future competitiveness of communities, ports, and maritime economies across the region. Alicante’s position at the heart of the Mediterranean, together with its commitment to partnership and long-term planning, makes it a natural gathering place for the leaders helping define that future.

The CLIA European Summit 2027 will be supported through a broad partnership led by the Port Authority of Alicante and regional stakeholders, reflecting a shared commitment to showcasing the region’s maritime heritage, tourism leadership, cultural identity, and hospitality to delegates from across Europe and around the world.

The announcement comes as cruise tourism continues to deliver significant economic benefits across Europe. In 2024, the sector generated more than €64 billion in economic impact, supported approximately 445,000 jobs, and contributed €28 billion to European GDP. Spain remains one of Europe’s leading cruise destinations and source markets, underscoring its important role in the continued growth and success of European tourism.

Throughout the Summit, delegates will experience the culture, cuisine, maritime heritage, and hospitality of Alicante and the Costa Blanca through a series of events that showcase the region’s people, traditions, businesses, and visitor experiences.

A Regional Partnership

The Port Authority of Alicante and its partners will support the Summit through a comprehensive destination partnership that reflects the region’s commitment to welcoming Europe’s cruise and maritime community.

Luis Rodríguez González, President, Port Authority of Alicante said, “We are proud to welcome the CLIA European Summit to Alicante. This is an opportunity to showcase the Costa Blanca’s maritime heritage, hospitality, and collaborative spirit while welcoming Europe’s tourism and maritime leaders to a region committed to innovation and sustainable growth.”

The partnership includes the use of the Auditorio de la Diputación de Alicante (ADDA) as the Summit venue, along with a Welcome Reception, the CLIA Diamond Dinner, the signature Taste of Alicante Reception, destination experiences, local transportation, hospitality services, and cultural programming designed to immerse delegates in the character and traditions of the Costa Blanca.

The CLIA European Summit 2027 will feature keynote discussions, executive forums, policy sessions, and destination-focused conversations examining the future of cruise tourism, maritime innovation, destination management, and economic growth in Europe and around the world. Additional information on speakers, registration, sponsorship opportunities, and the Summit program will be announced in the coming months.