MEDIA

16 Sep 2026

Global Ports Holding and Las Palmas Cruise Port Celebrate Grand Opening with “A Night at the Terminal”

Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator, together with Las Palmas Cruise Port, celebrated the grand opening of the new Las Palmas Cruise Port terminal with “A Night at the Terminal,” bringing together more than 1,000 cruise industry representatives, partners, local authorities and stakeholders.

The celebration marked the new terminal’s official introduction to the industry and set the stage for Seatrade Cruise Med 2026. Marking 30 years since its launch, the event will take place at the terminal for the first time on 16–17 September, with more than 2,000 cruise industry professionals in attendance.

The new 14,000-square-metre Las Palmas Cruise Port terminal represents a major milestone in GPH’s investment in the Canary Islands. Designed to strengthen operational capacity and enhance the passenger experience, the terminal can accommodate up to four cruise ships simultaneously and provides a modern gateway to Gran Canaria.

Guests experienced an evening inspired by the destination’s renowned carnival culture, featuring comparsa and batucada performances, live music, carnival-inspired entertainment, acrobatics and a spectacular drone show.

Ayşegül Bensel, Vice Chairperson of Global Ports Holding, said: “Tonight is about celebrating much more than the opening of a new terminal. It is about celebrating the cruise industry, our partners and the future of Las Palmas as an increasingly important year-round cruise destination. We are particularly grateful to the local authorities and partners whose collaboration and support have been instrumental in bringing this important project to life.”

Beatriz Calzada, President of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, said: “I would like to thank Global Ports for their trust and their firm commitment to our ports. Today we are proud to inaugurate Europe’s largest cruise terminal, which reinforces the role of the Port of Las Palmas as a cruise hub for the Mid-Atlantic. Doing so to coincide with the Seatrade Cruise Med event is, moreover, a milestone that allows us to showcase our port and our city to the world.”

Susana Gutiérrez, General Manager of GPH Canary Islands Cruise Ports, said: “This new terminal gives us the opportunity to offer an enhanced experience from the moment guests arrive, while creating a gateway that reflects the energy and character of Gran Canaria. Welcoming the international cruise community here for Seatrade Cruise Med is a very special way to begin this new chapter for Las Palmas Cruise Port.”

Following the opening, the terminal will host Seatrade Cruise Med 2026, bringing together cruise lines, ports, destinations, tourism authorities and industry suppliers from across the Mediterranean and beyond and giving delegates the opportunity to experience the new facility first-hand.