The global cruise industry is set to converge on Madeira as the island capital, Funchal, gears up to host the 2024 Cruise Atlantic Islands (CAI) Conference. This event heralded as a significant milestone in maritime tourism, will bring together top industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to explore the future of cruising in the Macaronesian region of the Atlantic.
Nikos Mertzadinis, the Vice President of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in Europe and a key figure in Ports and Destinations, has been appointed as the conference coordinator. Mertzadinis, whose leadership and insights have shaped the industry across Europe, will represent CLIA, an association that encompasses 95% of the global cruise ship capacity and over 50,000 travel agents.
A Visionary Gathering
“We are honored to welcome Nikos Mertzadinis to Madeira for this landmark event,” said Paula Cabaço, CEO of Ports of Madeira (APRAM, SA). “His expertise and deep understanding of the cruise sector will enrich our discussions as we chart the future of the cruise market in the Macaronesian islands.”
The CAI Conference, scheduled from September 26 to 28, will be held at Funchal City Hall, reflecting the strong partnership between APRAM and the local government. The conference aims to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the cruise industry, focusing on the unique market dynamics of the Madeira, Canary Islands, Azores, and Cape Verde ports. Collectively, these regions represent a substantial market of 3.3 million cruise tourists annually.
Porto do Funchal.
Honouring the Pioneers
This year’s conference is extraordinary as it marks the 40th anniversary of the Cruise Atlantic Islands initiative, conceived in Funchal on September 19, 1984. A tribute will be held to commemorate this milestone for the visionaries who laid the foundation for CAI’s success. These include Juan Francisco Martin, former Commercial Director of the Ports of the Canary Islands; João Reis, former president of APRAM; Michael Blandy, former CEO of the Blandy Group; Eduardo Alvarez Hamilton, former CEO of Hamilton & CO in the Canary Islands, Franklim Spencer, former president of the Ports of Cape Verde, and Pedro Roque, former president of the Port Authority of Tenerife.
“These individuals recognized early on that collaboration was the key to thriving in the global cruise industry. Their foresight and dedication have been instrumental in establishing the Macaronesian ports as a formidable force in maritime tourism,” remarked Cabaço.
Esteemed Speakers and Industry Leaders
The conference will feature an impressive lineup of industry experts, underscoring the event’s significance in the cruise sector. Among the distinguished speakers are Eduardo Cabrita, General Director of MSC Portugal; Fiona Noone, Director of Planning and Port Operations at Marella Cruises/TUI; and Kai Algar, Director of Planning and Port Operations at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines; Sylviane de Tracy, Director of Development and Research at Ponant; Hugo Basto, Director of Mystic Cruises; and Rafael Fernández-Álava, Director of Communication and External Relations at Costa Cruzeiros.
“The caliber of our speakers reflects the growing interest and confidence in the potential of the CAI market,” Cabaço noted. “While CAI is already a well-established entity, there remains considerable room for expansion and innovation within the industry.”
A Comprehensive Program
The three-day conference is designed to foster industry-specific discussions and meaningful social interactions among participants. The program kicks off on September 26 with a visit to the Funchal Ecological Park, offering international and national guests, speakers, and journalists an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Madeira. A welcome cocktail will follow at the end of the day, and the founders of CAI will be honoured.
On the final day, September 28, attendees will embark on a Familiarization (FAM) Trip to the northern part of Madeira Island, showcasing the region’s stunning landscapes and potential for cruise tourism development.
Conclusion
As Madeira takes centre stage in the global cruise industry, the 2024 Cruise Atlantic Islands Conference promises to be a landmark event, driving forward the collective ambitions of the Macaronesian ports. With a stellar cast of industry leaders and a program rich in content and experiences, this conference is set to redefine the future of cruising in the Atlantic.
Visit www.caiconference.com for more information and to register for the event. If you have additional inquiries, please email info@caiconference.com.
Written by: Bridget Gomez
