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From February 23 to 26, representatives from our Europe division attended the CLIA European Summit 2026 celebrated in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, where ITM Group attended as an active contributor in industry discussions and panels.
As a prominent voice in the global cruise industry, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) brought together more than 400 leaders. During the event, challenges such as local sourcing, European regulations, port digitization, and community sustainability were discussed.
Madeira was presented as a benchmark in port integration, local economy, and socioeconomic benefits, with an emphasis on its 60% annual growth and €60 billion contribution to the global sector. CLIA’s lobbying efforts in Brussels, as well as projects such as smart ports with predictive analytics to measure emissions and capacities, were discussed.
During his time there, Herman Bautista, ITM Group’s representative in Europe, networked with key players in the European cruise industry. He had the opportunity to present Port Melilla, our new cruise port in the Autonomous City of Melilla. For us, it is essential to engage in discussions and establish connections that showcase our sustainable and innovative port investments, which involve the community at each destination.
ITM Group’s participation in the CLIA European Summit 2026 reinforces our commitment to strengthening partnerships across the cruise industry and advancing sustainable port development. By engaging in these global conversations and showcasing projects such as Port Melilla, we continue to expand our presence in Europe while positioning our destinations as forward-thinking gateways that create long-term value for cruise lines and local communities.
