Member Article

Hamburg: a hub for maritime events

Hamburg is once again set to be the hub of the international maritime industry when Europe’s leading congress and trade show for the cruise industry, Seatrade Europe, takes place at Hamburg Messe. Hamburg Cruise Days, the biggest public cruise festival worldwide, will be held in conjunction with the trade show, making the city the biggest global stage for the cruise industry.

Around 5,000 participants are expected at Seatrade Europe from 6 - 8 September, bringing together senior buyers, planners and key decision-makers from Europe’s ocean and river cruise lines. This unique biennial event has 250 exhibitors from over 50 nations, including shipbuilders, tour organisers, interior outfitters and entertainment specialists. Other cruise events are also being held in conjunction with Seatrade Europe including Hamburg Cruise Days, travel sales event fvw Cruise Live and the Cruise Lines International Association’s Port & Destination Summit.

Florian Gerdes, Marketing Manager Conventions at Hamburg Convention Bureau, explains: “The combination of these cruise industry mega events ensures Hamburg will, once again, be the biggest global stage for the cruise industry. Germany’s second largest city is the ideal venue for maritime events - many global players from the industry have their European headquarters in the city. Hamburg’s long-established links with Asia, notably China, and the Baltic states make the city an international meeting point for decision-makers.”

The 6th Hamburg Cruise Days takes place 8 - 10 September with a diverse programme of events throughout the city including a parade of cruise liners, fireworks, harbour illuminations, culinary experiences, special promotions, ship presentations, music and harbour cruises. The event culminates in a mile-long Grand Parade of cruise ships - six cruise liners and 24 escort ships will sail down the Elbe River against a backdrop of fireworks.

A record number of cruise ships are expected in Hamburg this year with the city set to welcome 200 ships with approximately 800,000 passengers.

Hamburg Metropolitan Region is home to Germany’s largest seaport. Shipbuilding, the marine equipment industry, marine engineering, port management, shipping, marine research and offshore wind energy all form an important economic cluster which, along with leading associations, universities and institutions, work to attract meetings and events to the city.

To learn more about Hamburg’s venues and events visit www.hamburg-convention.com/en.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Ward .