Arrecife has recorded its strongest-ever first half for cruise tourism, welcoming 403,144 cruise passengers between January and June 2026, according to figures released by the Las Palmas Port Authority (APLP).
The total represents a 16% increase compared with the same period in 2025, with an additional 55,614 passengers arriving in Lanzarote’s capital during the first six months of the year.
Across the province, the three state-owned ports that handle cruise traffic welcomed a combined 1,300,770 passengers, an overall increase of 9.63%. Arrecife’s stronger growth means it now accounts for more than 30% of the Port Authority’s cruise-related activity.
Mayor Yonathan de León said the record figures demonstrate that the council’s efforts to establish Arrecife as a home port are delivering results. He also highlighted growing interest from cruise operators in using the city both as a turnaround port and as a regular stop on Canary Islands and West African itineraries.
However, the mayor argued that the city’s contribution to the Port Authority is not being reflected in future investment plans.
He criticised the Las Palmas Port Authority’s 2027 Business Plan, saying Arrecife continues to receive a disproportionately small share of infrastructure funding despite its growing importance to the regional cruise industry.
According to the plan, of the €230 million allocated for port construction projects across the province in 2027, just over €2 million is earmarked for Arrecife. By comparison, €131 million is planned for projects in Gran Canaria, including dock expansions, increased berthing capacity and improvements to bunkering facilities.
De León has called on the Port Authority to increase investment in Arrecife, noting that around 20% of the city’s waterfront falls within state-owned port areas managed by the authority and arguing that funding should better reflect the port’s contribution to the local and regional economy.
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