Costa Rica strengthened its position as a Cruise Destination at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025

With the goal of strengthening Costa Rica as a high-level destination for the cruise industry, representatives from the ICT (Spanish Institute of Pacific Ports), port authorities from the Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports (INCOP), and the Port Administration and Economic Development Board of the Atlantic Slope (JAPDEVA), along with the private sector, will participate in the Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 trade show from April 7-10 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in the United States.

During the event, visitors will also learn about current trends, emerging technologies, and the most successful business models, while participating in strategic activities, executive meetings, roundtables, and working sessions focused on promoting Costa Rican ports and the tourism industry.

Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 is one of the industry's leading events, bringing together cruise industry leaders, operators, and key suppliers, providing a unique platform for networking and sharing knowledge on the latest industry trends.

It also provides firsthand insight into developments in technology, sustainability, and customer experience in the cruise industry. It also acts as a networking platform for establishing strategic business relationships that drive industry growth and development.

“Costa Rica is committed to strengthening its infrastructure so that cruise tourism continues to grow sustainably and responsibly. This event provides an opportunity to strengthen key relationships with international players and demonstrate the destination's opportunities to offer a unique experience to cruise lines and their passengers,” said Gustavo Alvarado, Director of Tourism Competitiveness and Sustainability at the ICT.

Sucy Wing Ching, Executive President of the Port Administration and Economic Development Board of the Atlantic Slope, stated that “JAPDEVA is evolving at a rapid pace, therefore, being able to participate in the 40th edition of Seatrade represents a great opportunity to promote the Port of Limón and the strategic projects that we are promoting to create a real turn in the development of the port that we envision to soon achieve, such as the Construction of the New Marina and the Cruise Terminal for Limón, where time is key to attracting investments linked to the cruise tourism industry.

“For the Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports, participating in Seatrade Cruise Global represents a valuable opportunity to position Puntarenas as a competitive destination in the cruise industry. Our presence at this international event translates into the possibility of attracting more vessels, welcoming more visitors, and generating greater economic and tourism momentum for the entire region,” added Wagner Quesada, Executive President of INCOP.

Cruises are becoming more sustainable

The lines are adopting cleaner technologies, such as the use of alternative fuels, emission-reducing systems, and more efficient operations through onshore electrical connections, making it essential for Costa Rican ports to understand and implement these new international sustainability standards. Given this, this participation will allow for coordinated actions to adapt to the sector's new needs and strengthen the destination's competitiveness.

Furthermore, Costa Rica continues to strengthen its relationship with key international associations such as the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), strategic allies essential to the growth and development of cruise tourism in the region. These associations represent the main international cruise lines and are essential for promoting the destination. The country takes advantage of this opportunity to maintain ongoing dialogue with these organizations, exchanging experiences and generating opportunities for collaboration, which significantly contribute to the development of strategies to position the country as a competitive and sustainable destination in the cruise industry.

Being at the forefront of sustainability expectations, ensuring ports and infrastructure aligned with global best practices, are part of Costa Rica's growth strategies and increase the country's competitiveness as a cruise destination, which is proactively adapting to industry demands and trends.

In previous editions, Seatrade Cruise Global has offered a variety of activities, including keynote addresses with industry experts, panel discussions on sustainability and innovative technologies, and numerous networking opportunities that have led to the establishment of valuable business partnerships.

This is the fortieth edition of Seatrade Cruise Global and the theme is “Milestones,” inviting the industry to reflect on four decades of evolution and explore the future of cruising. 

Over the three-day event, more than 80 sessions will be presented by 225 experts, addressing topics such as attracting new generations, cruise design, luxury and expedition cruising, and redefining expedition experiences. Exclusive opportunities will also be offered to connect with more than 1,800 executives from over 80 of the world's leading cruise brands. More than 600 exhibitors will showcase the latest solutions in technology, entertainment, health and safety, naval services and equipment, design, ports, and destinations.

The ICT will participate with a 400-foot stand and will be represented by Tam Travel Corporation, Asuaire Travel, Nautica Shipping Agents, ST Costa Rica, and Destination Services Costa Rica, representing the Costa Rican private sector.

Source: ICT.