This October, southern Spain will once again take center stage in the global blue tourism industry as Motril and Granada host the fourth International Congress on Nautical and Cruise Tourism (CITCA Suncruise). The three-day event, scheduled from October 15 to 17, aims to strengthen the position of Andalusia, Ceuta and Melilla as leading destinations for nautical and cruise experiences.
The congress will begin on October 15 in Motril, where participants will engage in a familiarization day and international business workshop designed to connect local offerings with major industry players. The program will then move to Granada on October 16 and 17, featuring keynote speeches, round tables, and interactive sessions tackling topics such as evolving traveler profiles, sustainability challenges, and the industry’s decarbonization roadmap.
One of the central themes will focus on the “new customer ecosystem,” examining how both cruise lines and nautical tourism providers are diversifying their products to attract an increasingly varied audience — from premium travelers to Generation Z.
According to Suncruise President Gerardo Landaluce, CITCA serves as “the main meeting point for blue tourism, bringing together ports, destinations, and businesses to accelerate innovation and sustainability while showcasing Andalusia and the Alboran Sea as prime cruise and nautical destinations.”
José García Fuentes, President of the Port Authority of Motril, emphasized that the event will combine high-level content with hands-on experiences: “Motril and Granada will host a unique program that blends destination experiences, international networking, and workshops designed to generate real partnerships.”
Organizers describe the upcoming edition as not just a professional gathering but also an opportunity to reinforce Motril’s sustainable tourism model, exemplified by initiatives such as the green zone at Playa de Poniente.
With participation from cruise lines, startups, port authorities, and tourism professionals, the congress is expected to reaffirm the Costa Tropical and Granada as a dynamic hub for innovation in the fast-growing field of blue tourism.
