The world's cruise industry heads in record numbers to Barcelona, Spain

LONDON, Aug. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In just a few weeks, cruise industry professionals from around the world will be heading to Barcelona, Spain's leading cruise port, for the tenth edition of the Seatrade Med Cruise Convention. This year's event has already achieved a record number of ports, destinations and suppliers showcasing their products and services on the exhibition floor, mirroring the market growth of the cruise industry in the Mediterranean.

A highlight of the convention will be the conference programme – where leading figures will discuss and debate the issues confronting the Mediterranean's flourishing cruise market. As well an overview of the Mediterranean cruise market, over 40 industry peers will discuss topics such as the increasing popularity of upscale cruising, logistics and ship supply, maximising overnights stays in ports, marketing and sales, the relationship between cruise lines, ports and terminals, green innovations and also the development of cruise itineraries in the region.

In addition to Pierfrancesco Vago Chairman, CLIA Europe, and Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises, Kyriakos (Kerry) Anastassiadis CEO, Louis Cruises, David Dingle CEO, Carnival UK, Adam Goldstein President & COO at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and Michael Thamm CEO, Costa Crociere SpA, we are pleased to announce that Jorges Vilches, President & CEO for Pullmantur Cruises, is also confirmed to join the line up of high-profile cruise line executives for the opening 'State of the Cruise Industry in the Mediterranean' plenary session.

A two-day travel agent training programme, provided by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) will also take place giving local travel agents the opportunity to broaden their knowledge on this lucrative market.

With record pre-registration numbers, the tenth edition, promises to to be one of the most successful events yet. Seatrade Med provides a proven business platform for participants to engage and generate business opportunities, through a high-level conference programme, showcase exhibition, travel agent training sessions and social networking events.

Additional news and information about Seatrade Med are available at cruiseshippingevents.com/med. Find Seatrade Med on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

The 2014 Seatrade Med Cruise Convention is owned and organised by UBM in partnership with Seatrade and in association with the Port of Barcelona.

Editor – Nina Marston at Seatrade, Tel +44 1206 545121 or email nmarston@seatrade-global.com

Complimentary press registration is available to editors, writers and print/broadcast reporters intending to report on the event. Visit cruiseshippingevents.com/med/press to book your place.

About Seatrade Med The Seatrade Med Cruise Convention, the major biennial cruise event focused on the world's second largest cruise destination – the Mediterranean, will gather in Barcelona, Spain from September 16-18, 2014 at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via Conference Centre. Owned and organized by UBM Live in partnership with Seatrade Communications Ltd, Seatrade Med is Europe's most prestigious cruise event, welcoming over 4,000 attendees and 300 exhibiting suppliers and service providers to the Mediterranean cruise market. Part of UBM Live's growing Cruise Shipping Portfolio, Seatrade Med features a comprehensive conference featuring high-profile speakers, an exhibition, a travel agent training component, and valuable networking events.

About UBM Live UBM Live connects people and creates opportunities for companies across five continents to develop new business, meet customers, launch new products, promote their brands and expand their markets. Through premier brands such as Routes, CPhI, IFSEC, TFM&A, Cruise Shipping Miami, the Concrete Show and many others, UBM Live exhibitions, conferences, awards programs, publications, websites and training and certification programs are an integral part of the marketing plans of companies across more than 20 industry sectors.

About Seatrade Established 40 years ago, Seatrade is a leader in cruise and maritime publications, conferences and exhibitions, training, awards and other special projects. Regular events include international trade exhibitions and conferences across all maritime sectors, management training courses for shipping professionals, training seminars for travel agents and award schemes, including the Seatrade Insider Cruise Awards. Seatrade publications include magazines, supplements and yearbooks, whilst Seatrade Insider provides daily cruise news online at seatrade-insider.com