169 EUROPE: INTERVIEW The next chapter Las Palmas has built a new cruise terminal, increased its operational capabilities and will soon host Seatrade Cruise Med. Global Ports Holding’s Susana Gutierrez discusses future growth with Laura Hyde Las Palmas Cruise Port in the Canary Islands is gearing up to welcome the cruise industry to Gran Canaria when it hosts Seatrade Cruise Med in September 2026. “Hosting Seatrade Cruise Med places our port at the centre of the cruise industry’s most important conversations and gives us the opportunity to welcome cruise lines, partners and stakeholders to experience first-hand the transformation taking place here,” says Susana Gutierrez, general manager of Global Ports Holding (GPH) Canary Islands, which has operated the port since 2022. “Las Palmas has always been a strategic cruise destination, but we are entering a new chapter with modern infrastructure, stronger operational capabilities and a clear focus on sustainability.” As part of a €40 million ($43.3 million) investment to modernise operations and increase capacity, GPH opened a new 14,000-square-metre, two-level cruise terminal at Santa Catalina Pier in October 2025. The terminal features three boarding bridges and can accommodate four cruise ships simultaneously. “The terminal has been designed to meet the needs of today’s cruise operations while preparing for the future demand,” says Gutierrez. “It offers flexible areas, improved passenger flows, modern security and check-in systems, and a more comfortable experience for guests, crew and cruise line partners. The ability to accommodate up to four cruise ships, while managing different types of operations, positions Las Palmas as a highly competitive cruise terminal, capable of responding efficiently to the most demanding needs of cruise lines and passengers.” While the Canary Islands is recognised as one of the cruise sector’s leading winter destinations, GPH hopes cruises lines will add the destination to itineraries year-round. “As the industry continues to explore alternatives to traditional repositioning patterns, Las Palmas offers a reliable, attractive and operationally efficient solution,” says Gutierrez. “Thanks to strong air connectivity and its strategic location between Europe, Africa and America, the port has a strong opportunity to play an increasingly important role in year-round cruise itineraries. “We are proud to be welcoming the cruise industry and showcase our new terminal, which reflects the ambition of our destination and the vision of GPH, during Seatrade Cruise Med. Hosting is a milestone for us, but it’s also a platform to strengthen collaboration, exchange ideas and shape the future of cruise together.” “ We are entering a new chapter with modern infrastructure, stronger operational capabilities and a clear focus on sustainability” The new 14,000-square-metre, two-level cruise terminal at the Santa Catalina Pier was officially inaugurated in March 2026
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