Tarragona City Council will offer a range of cultural and gastronomic options for cruise visitors.
Tarragona Cruise Port is working at full capacity to complete its new cruise terminal.
Presented at FITUR 2024 in Ifema (Madrid) from January 24 to 28, Tarragona has forged an alliance with MSC Cruises to enhance the tourist experience at Tarragona Cruise Port. The collaboration involves the Patronat de Turisme de la Diputación, Costa Daurada, and the maritime terminal Tarragona Cruise Port. Progress on the construction of the new cruise terminal, driven by Global Ports, was highlighted as a crucial step in enhancing the experience for passengers arriving or departing from Tarragona Cruise Port.
The strategic alliance between Tarragona and MSC Cruises will enable passengers to enjoy unforgettable experiences in the city. Tarragona City Council, through its Tourism Board, will provide a diverse range of cultural and gastronomic offerings for tourists visiting the city. Passengers will have the opportunity to explore the city's history, architectural heritage, and other attractive sites in Costa Daurada, along with its unique culinary culture connected to the land and sea.
"We are aware of the added value of quality cruise tourism, hence the need for this strategic alliance with MSC Cruises and the tourism boards of Costa Daurada and Tarragona", explained Montse Adan, Tarragona's Tourism Councillor. "This unique collaboration will significantly enhance the cruise experience in our city and territory, extending their adventure beyond the ship and giving them the chance to stay for a weekend to discover the treasures offered by the jewel of the Mediterranean, a UNESCO World Heritage city like Tarragona", added the city council representative.
Another attraction of Tarragona's tourist destination that will improve embarkation and disembarkation convenience is the new cruise terminal. Alba Colet, Commercial Manager of Tarragona Cruise Port, explained that “this €5.5 million investment will be ready by May 2024, providing an additional level of quality and well-being for passengers”.
Fernando Pacheco, General Manager of MSC Cruises in Spain, mentioned that MSC Fantasia will arrive on Fridays in Tarragona, offering a unique opportunity for passengers to enjoy the weekend. This allows passengers to explore the UNESCO heritage city through packages created by various entities in Tarragona. Pacheco emphasized that this alliance will enhance and complete the cruise experience for passengers on MSC Fantasia, and the company's commitment to Tarragona is strong, supported by the region's cultural, heritage, and gastronomic offerings, as well as institutional support from the administrations and businesses in Costa Daurada.
Carles Brull, President of the Tourism Board of the Diputación de Tarragona, highlighted that the collaboration with MSC Cruises reinforces their commitment to position Costa Daurada as a cruise destination. He emphasized the diverse offerings and enormous appeal that allow for a unique experience in Costa Daurada.
According to Brull, “both the coastline and the interior of Costa Daurada offer the opportunity to customize visits, highlighting the historical and heritage legacy of Tarragona, the Cistercian Route, the modernism of the city of Reus, or the Human Tower Museum of Catalonia in Valls. Leisure options, including PortAventura World and water sports, along with prestigious and identity-rich gastronomy, add to the reasons and attractions to visit Costa Daurada”.
All representatives who spoke at the presentation highlighted the collaborative efforts of institutions, administrations, and businesses to create an attractive tourist offering for cruise customers arriving in Tarragona and wanting to explore the region further.
