6 April 2017, London – Seatrade is delighted to announce that Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, will be the next venue for the largest cruise industry event focusing on the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas – Seatrade Cruise Med 2018. Hosted by the Port of Lisbon Authority (APL) and supported by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) and MedCruise, the event will take place from 19 - 21 September 2018 and feature a showcase exhibition, conference and a full social and networking programme.

As a leading platform for discussion and debate on issues confronting the Mediterranean cruise market, which recorded more than 27.4m cruise passengers and 13,460 cruise calls in the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas in 2016, the conference forms an integral part of Seatrade Cruise Med, organised by Seatrade. Previous editions of Seatrade Cruise Med have attracted cruise line executives representing 30 brands as well as MedCruise members - representing 80% of cruise ports from across the region. Portugal’s Minister of the Sea, Ana Paula Vitorino, said:
"Portugal is increasingly affirmed as an important and renowned player in the world cruise sector with both the country as a whole and the city of Lisbon benefiting from the economic impact of cruise ship calls.” 
A sentiment agreed by the President of APL, Lidia Sequeira: "To host this prestigious event is recognition of the work we have been doing in the cruise sector for many years. The hope is that this event will give an important boost to the local and national economy of this sector, especially now that Lisbon is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to welcome all the cruise ships and their guests." 
The 2020 event will see the Port Authority of Málaga, Málagaport; the Tourist Boards in the Area -Málaga City Council, Costa del Sol Tourist Board, and Andalucía Tourist Board, as well as cruise terminal operators - Cruceros Málaga, a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding – work together to host Seatrade Cruise Med 2020.