The Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea has identified cruise traffic as one of the strategic assets for the proactive growth of the port and the area, a driving force for the consolidation of the “Taranto brand” among the stakeholders. With this in mind, the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea carries out an intense promotional activity aimed at enhancing and positioning the port of Taranto as an access gate to the city and in the tourism factory of the Mediterranean area. The steadily growing numbers have made it possible to further consolidate the port cruise activities and to implement a common strategy with the other Public Administrations for promotion and reception, for the enhancement of Taranto and the Ionian province, starting from its greatest resource: the SEA.
In 2021, cruise traffic - launched in 2017 - has seen the port of Taranto take a leading role in the Mediterranean passenger traffic scene.
In April, in fact, the concession was signed by Taranto Cruise Port, newly formed by Port Operation Holding S.r.l. and Global Ports Melita Ltd, subsidiaries of Global Ports Holding Plc, the largest independent cruise terminal operator globally. Taranto was launched by GPH as a cruise destination in the world with the slogan "A destination beyond your imagination"
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CRUISE SEASONS
In 2022, the port of Taranto won the coveted title of Destination of the Year at the prestigious Seatrade Cruise Awards, held in Malaga at the Seatrade Cruise Europe international trade fair, after a successful season handling over 108,000 passengers.
With the growing interest of international cruise lines, Taranto, the ancient capital of Magna Graecia, has become the cultural destination of choice for sea travellers, as well as the starting point for discovering the Apulian hinterland and UNESCO sites, such as Alberobello and Matera. The Ionian territory, the heart of Magna Graecia, has the advantage of combining the richness of its historical and archaeological heritage with the unique beauty of the sea and the ravines. A still little-explored corner of the Mediterranean, less prone to the phenomenon of over tourism, which therefore represents a destination rich of new development opportunities.
The 2023 cruise season in the port of Taranto ended with 138,548 passengers, and saw for the first time the presence of Costa Crociere in the Ionian capital chosen as a turn-around port, i.e. a point of embarkation and disembarkation for passengers. Costa Crociere will stop over in Taranto in 2024 with Costa Fascinosa, as part of the exciting Mediterranean itinerary that include the Greek islands, Malta and Italy, also calling at Catania, Valletta, Mykonos and Santorini.
The booking of port of calls by nine new companies for the year 2024 shows the growing attention of cruise lines - including those in the luxury sector - for the port of Taranto, a state-of-the-art passenger port of call and an ideal access point for discovering the attractions of the city and surrounding areas.
DEDICATED INFRASTRUCTURES
The port infrastructure assets dedicated to cruise berths include the quays of Molo San Cataldo: Primo Sporgente Ponente and Levante, Calata 1 and Calata 2. The highly competitive depths and dimensional characteristics make these berths suitable for berthing even the latest generation of cruise ships.
The territorial enhancement implemented by the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea in synergy with the local public and private stakeholders, together with the forthcoming Falanto Port Service Centre, the completion of the Port Exhibition Centre and the expansion of the “Sant'Eligio” tourist berth, will make it possible to take care of, and develop, cruise and tourist traffic with greater professionalism.
This approach is rooted in the strategy implemented by the Authority, which aims to support the development of a new season of innovation, competitiveness and revitalisation of the territory, aimed at contributing significantly to the development of the local economy and the cruise market connected to the port of Taranto with a view to perfecting its own brand as a tourist destination, to the benefit of the entire cultural and commercial industry of the Ionian arc region connected to hospitality.
PARTNERSHIPS
Relive the event held in Taranto on 27.10.2023!!
CRUISE SEASON CLOSING CEREMONY 2023
Also in 2023, the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea organised the farewell ceremony, an evocative show of great emotional impact with a luminous dance which, combined with fascinating rock sounds, enchanted the passengers on board the Costa Pacifica, as well as the guests present at the quay (institutions, port cluster and operators) with the aim of celebrating the important achievements of the 2023 season. as a farewell and goodbye to the cruise lines in 2024
- Promotional video of the Closing Ceremony 2023 edition
- Promotional video of the Closing Ceremony 2022 edition
- Promotional video of the Closing Ceremony 2021 edition
CRUISE VIDEOGALLERY
> DOWNLOAD: #T/\RANTO for CRUISE LOVERS. Leaflet to discover Taranto... history, culture, food and wine, traditions and the sea. #CRUISE TARANTO to learn about the development projects of the port of Taranto and the port infrastructure for cruise traffic.
TARANTO CRUISE PORT
President: Stephen Xuereb
General Manager: Raffaella Del Prete - Tel.+39 348 805 9408 - Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Michele Pastore, PFSO - Tel: +39 320 2834793 - Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.