Gibraltar tourism boom as Rock scores all-time record month - but seeks 'better visitors'

registered an impressive all-time record of cruise calls in April, welcoming 41% more than the same period last year. The destination also expects to close 2025 with more than 240 dockings.

The Gibraltar Tourist Office reported that the Rock's port has recorded a record number of ship stopovers during the month of April 2025, with a total of 41 visits, including three inaugural ones. This figure represents an increase of 41% compared to the same month of the previous year, when 29 stopovers were counted. It also reinforces Gibraltar's position as one of the preferred destinations in itineraries.

Among the inaugural stopovers recorded last month are those of Mein Schiff Relax and Zuiderdam, both of which received the traditional plaque exchange ceremony, a usual protocol to commemorate the first visits of ships to the port. Thousands of international passengers arrived at the Rock during April, contributing to the destination's economic dynamism and the growth of tourism linked to cruise activity.

Forecasts for the rest of the year point to a new historical maximum, with about 240 stopovers planned for 2025, compared to the 187 recorded throughout 2024.

According to the Gibraltar office, this increase responds to a sustained strategy of promoting the destination among the main cruise operators and improvements implemented in excursion offers, port services, and passenger reception .

The Tourist Office has emphasised that current planning seeks not only to attract a larger volume of stopovers but also to optimise the . It promotes the arrival of ships whose passengers show interest in cultural heritage, guided tours, and experiences at the destination, thus contributing to a greater distribution of tourist spending.

As a result, Gibraltar has expanded its range of land activities, strengthening its proposal as a cultural and natural destination. On top of this, new strategic alliances have been established with international cruise lines to consolidate their inclusion in premium itineraries of the western Mediterranean.

The Minister of Tourism of Gibraltar, Christian Santos, pointed out that the April data reflects the result of efforts made to position Gibraltar as an attractive and differentiated port: "The increase in cruise stopovers shows that our efforts to promote the Rock among cruise operators are working and that we not only attract more ships, but we are attracting the right type, those who value culture, quality excursions and the unique character that ".