Rosario Soto Rico, president of the Port Authority of Almería, told Seatrade Cruise News, ‘The project consists of the urban and social integration of the Port of Almería with the city, promoting the development of Almería seafront.
Urban transformation
‘This initiative will be the most relevant urban transformation of the city in recent years, projecting a more avant-garde and attractive image for tourism, while favouring a better transition of cruise passengers between the pier and the city streets.’
One initial phase has already been completed, involving refurbishment of the port authority’s headquarters and its surroundings, improving its energy efficiency and architecture, and opening up spaces overlooking the English Cable and the Lighthouse of Almería to locals. ‘In this sense, it is important because it is the first step towards urban port-city integration at the Levante pier,’ Soto Rico added.
Appealing to luxury segment
Last year Almería saw its cruise industry recover due a ‘very positive cruise campaign’ involving the Bahia Almeriport Foundation, Provincial Government of Almería and the city council. Now, the port has its sights set on attracting more luxury operators, ‘At the Port of Almería we are committed to sustainable cruise tourism, which opts for quality and differentiation,’ explained Soto Rico. ‘We are convinced that luxury cruises and Almería are the perfect match in terms of supply and demand.’
She went on to describe Almería as ‘unique’ – free of overcrowding and home to rich gastronomy and culture, as well as natural parks, the only desert in Europe and the largest visitable geode.
Deseasonalization of tourism
A key advantage of welcoming the cruise segment is its ability to deseasonalize tourism in Almería, according to Soto Rico, which is mainly concentrated in summer. She added that cruise passengers are inclined to explore the city and its surroundings, providing a boost to the local economy.
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