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Cape Verde, Madeira and the Canary Islands strengthen partnership to promote Cruise Tourism in the Atlantic Islands
27/10/2023
The minutes founding the International Association of Macaronesian Island Ports were signed today in Funchal, a legal entity of mutual interest, under the brand name Cruise Atlantic Islands (CAI), which brings together ENAPOR - Portos de Cabo Verde, S.A., APRAM S.A., the Port Authority of Las Palmas and the Port Authority of Tenerife, in the development and promotion of cruise tourism in the Atlantic islands.
This historic initiative marks a new chapter in co-operation between the Ports of Madeira, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, which currently represent a market of almost 3 million passengers.
ENAPOR - Portos de Cabo Verde, was represented by the PCA, Ireneu Camacho, who said in his speech that "the formal constitution of the International Association of Macaronesian Island Ports will allow us to share and exchange experiences with other Macaronesian ports, strengthening our tourism promotion strategies. Together, we can develop attractive cruise routes, facilitate the connection between the different destinations in the region and publicise the hidden treasures of our islands to the world, as well as reinforcing all the investment that has been made in promoting the cruise business in Cape Verde. Seeking opportunities for the sustainable development of cruise tourism is essential. Environmental conservation and the preservation of local culture must also be considered at every stage of this process. In this way, we ensure that cruise tourism is a sustainable and beneficial activity for all parties involved. We are going to stand alongside recognised powerhouses in the sector, such as Madeira, which this year was voted the best cruise destination in Europe for the second time running, and the Canary Islands, which welcome more than 2.5 million passengers every year. It is with this in mind that Cape Verde intends to maximise this strategic cooperation, attracting more calls and more passengers, and with the construction of the Mindelo Cruise Terminal to experience a new reality in the cruise business in Cape Verde, positively impacting the country's development. We are ready to embark on this journey and we invite everyone to join us in this collective endeavour."
The International Association of Macaronesian Island Ports came about as a result of the recognition of the need to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the four port administrations involved with regard to the constant exchange of information, both statistical and on commercial models, for the development of each region's tourism product, as well as to meet the new challenges in port management, particularly in the areas of digitalisation and sustainability.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from all the islands involved - Ireneu Camacho, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ENAPOR, S.A., Paula Cabaço, Chairman of the Board of Directors of APRAM, Beatriz Calzada Ojeda, Chairman of the Las Palmas Port Authority and Pedro José Suaréz López de Vergara, Chairman of the SC Port Authority.
