Santa Marta participates in Seatrade Miami 2025, projecting record growth of 328% in cruise tourism

Santa Marta has a prominent presence with the participation of Mayor Carlos Pinedo Cuello and the director of the District Tourism Institute (Indetur), José Domingo Dávila, who are leading efforts to consolidate the city as an international tourist destination.

The management carried out in previous editions shows impressive results, with a notable 328% growth in the flow of cruise passengers to the city. According to recent comparative data, Santa Marta went from receiving 5,697 passengers in 2024 to projecting 18,713 passengers by the end of 2025, representing an increase of 328%.

In addition, following last year's participation, the city has managed to attract new internationally renowned cruise lines such as AIDA Cruises, The World Residences at Sea, Seabourn Cruises, Holland American Lines, National Geographic/Lindblad Expeditions, and Rivages du Monde.

While Seatrade Cruise Global is the largest and longest-running event of its kind, it brings together cruise lines, suppliers, travel agents, and industry partners from more than 140 countries and has established itself as the meeting point for the most influential figures in the industry. Each edition provides an ideal platform for establishing new alliances, generating business opportunities, and connecting with the global cruise community.

In this regard, the mayor of Santa Marta, Carlos Pinedo Cuello, highlighted the strategic importance of the event, stating that "active participation in Seatrade Miami represents an invaluable opportunity for Santa Marta, given that it not only substantially increases the number of international visitors, but also strengthens key sectors of our local economy, such as transportation, gastronomy, commerce, and other tourism services that are experiencing considerable growth, translating into job creation, economic dynamism, and well-being for the Santa Marta community," he expressed.

For his part, Indetur director José Domingo Dávila emphasized the importance of continuing to work on Santa Marta's international projection.

"We continue to strategically position Santa Marta as a world-class destination through key partnerships with leading operators and companies in the global tourism sector. Our goal is to consolidate the city as a preferred cruise destination worldwide, attracting investment and generating sustainable positive impacts on the economy," stated Dávila Morales.

The administration of Carlos Pinedo Cuello reaffirms its commitment to cruise tourism as an economic and cultural driving force for Santa Marta.

Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 will bring together more than 11,000 attendees, with more than 600 exhibitors participating, and representatives from 120 countries around the world.

In addition, more than 70 cruise lines will be present, demonstrating the event's global reach and relevance to the maritime and tourism sectors, consolidating Santa Marta as a preferred cruise destination worldwide.

Source: Strategic Communications Advisory Office, Santa Marta District Mayor's Office, DTCH