The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has confirmed that its 2026 European Summit will be held in Funchal, Madeira (Portugal), from 23 to 26 February, in collaboration with the Regional Government of Madeira and the Ports Administration of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (APRAM). The Summit is expected to draw cruise line leaders, institutional representatives and other stakeholders in Europe’s tourism and maritime sectors to address policy, sustainability and regional development.
Madeira was selected in part because of its strategic position linking Europe with the Atlantic Sea Basin, at a time when cruise activity in Madeira is rising. In 2024, the region saw over 728,600 cruise passengers and nearly 272,000 crew members, increases of about 16.7 % and 12.3 % respectively over the prior year.
The direct economic impact of cruise tourism in Madeira in that year was assessed at more than EUR 61 million.
The event in Funchal will serve not only as a forum for high-level discussion on regulation, environmental standards, destination management and sustainable tourism, but also as a means of showcasing Madeira’s port, hotel, and tourism infrastructure. The choice reflects confidence in the region’s ability to host major international maritime and tourism-industry events.
Programme details and registration information for the CLIA European Summit 2026 will be published in the months ahead.