Seatrade has announced that Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, will be the 2018 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 September 19 - 21, 2018 and feature a showcase exhibition, conference and a full social programme.

As a leading platform for discussion and debate on issues confronting the Mediterranean's burgeoning cruise market, 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.

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 Sequira: "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." - TradeArabia News Service