According to PuertoCanarias, the Port Authority of Las Palmas has managed to consolidate a solidarity bridge between the luxury tourism industry and the social needs of the island. Through a strategic alliance with the cruise line Costa Cruceros and the Food Bank Foundation, the capital port becomes a nexus of the circular economy where the kitchen surpluses of large vessels will have a social purpose. As detailed in PuertoCanarias’ information, this project has not been an easy task. For the food prepared on board the Costa Fortuna —which does not get served but maintains its quality and safety— to be donated, precise coordination has been necessary.
Since 2026, the Port Authority has led a working group that has included tax and customs authorities from the Government of the Canary Islands, Health Authorities, customs agents, and consignees. The objective: to ensure that the delivery of these menus complies with all health and legal regulations in force for their immediate distribution among local associations that assist vulnerable groups.
With this step, the port of Las Palmas integrates into Costa Cruceros’ Food Assistance Program, a network that is already operational in 16 international destinations. This initiative transforms a resource that was previously wasted into a highly valuable social asset. Beatriz Calzada, president of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, has highlighted that this project reflects a management model that seeks to improve the lives of citizens: ‘That a cruise stop becomes an opportunity to support families in need is a clear example of the social value generated by our ports‘, she stated in remarks reported by the port media. Meanwhile, the vice president of global sales for Costa Cruceros, Luigi Stefanelli, expressed gratitude to the Port Authority for making this commitment to the circular economy in the Atlantic a reality.
