In 2008, the Port of Lisbon achieved an all-time high number of cruise calls (308) and passengers, establishing new national records. In 2008, more than 407,000 passengers arrived by cruise ship, a growth of 34%. The port received the first port call of 20 vessels, 7 new, having left the shipyards shortly before. This demonstrates more than a 50% increase in port calls and the importance of Lisbon on the principal world-wide operators’ itineraries. The port authority believes that these results are due to the improvement in the quality of services provided to tourists arriving at the port by all local agents with activities in this sector. Valesa Cultural provides land services to individuals and groups in all ports of Portugal and Spain.