Cruise Scotland showcases country’s ports, destinations and visitor offering to global industry

Scotland’s cruise industry has strengthened relationships with international operators and promoted the country’s growing cruise offering at one of the sector’s major global events.

Cruise Scotland represented the country at Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 in Las Palmas, using the two-day event to meet cruise lines, develop future opportunities and showcase Scotland’s ports and destinations to key industry decision-makers.

The industry body was joined by representatives from across Scotland’s cruise sector, with a 21-strong contingent demonstrating the breadth of the country’s offer and providing cruise operators with direct access to ports, destinations and industry partners from across Scotland.

The event comes as cruise tourism continues to make a significant contribution to Scotland’s visitor economy, continuing to welcome in the region of 1 million cruise passengers and around 1,000 ship visits in a season.

Melanie Henderson, Chair of Cruise Scotland, said: “Seatrade Cruise Med gives us an important opportunity to speak directly with cruise lines and ensure Scotland remains firmly on their radar when future itineraries are being planned.

“Our strength is the variety Scotland can offer. We have internationally recognised destinations, distinctive ports and communities across the country which can provide very different experiences for cruise guests.

“Bringing representatives from across the sector together also allows us to present that offer collectively and have meaningful conversations about where future opportunities exist.

“Cruise already makes an important contribution to Scotland’s economy, particularly in coastal, rural and island communities, and we want to build on that in a way which delivers long-term value for destinations across the country.”

Seatrade Cruise Med took place on 16 and 17 September and brought together cruise lines, ports, destinations and suppliers from across the international cruise industry.

Cruise Scotland works with ports and industry partners across the country to promote Scotland internationally, strengthen relationships with cruise operators and support the sustainable development of the sector.