FITUR wraps up 44th annual trade show in Madrid
FITUR, a global meeting point for tourism professionals and one of the biggest trade shows for Latin American markets, recently wrapped up its 44th annual international tourism fair in Madrid, Spain.
Held this year from Jan. 24 to Jan. 28 at IFEMA Madrid, over the course of five days, FITUR welcomed a total of 250,000 visitors. These figures, in line with the estimate provided by IFEMA MADRID, represent a 13.7 per cent increase compared to 2023.
The Fair saw the participation of all players in the tourism industry value chain, showcasing the sector’s dynamism through numerous business transactions, expanded networks, and the exchange of best practices and knowledge.
Record-breaking attendance
FITUR 2024 featured record-breaking exhibition space, with a total of nine pavilions, which drew attendance from 152 countries and 96 official country participations. In addition, there were 806 main exhibitors and 10 monographic sections for tourist segments—FITUR 4all, TechY, Cruises, Know-How & Export, LGTB+, Lingua, Screen, Sports, Talent, and Woman—and the work carried out by the FITURNEXT Observatory as a channel for the sustainable commitment of the International Tourism Fair.
Organized by Ifema Madrid, The influx of international visitors to FITUR is expected to generate roughly 430 million euros in revenue for the city of Madrid.
Strong institutional and sector support
Alongside the Royal Family’s demonstration of support for the tourism industry, with the presence of Their Majesties King Felipe and Queen Letizia, FITUR had the participation of prominent leaders such as Daniel Noboa, president of Ecuador, who was the country partner of the International Tourism Fair this year.
It also received the official visit of the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez; the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama; representatives from the UNTWO together with its Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, the Ibero-American General Secretary, as well as more than 10 regional presidents of Spain.
In total, the Fair brought together the presence of nearly 400 authorities, including Ministers, State Secretaries, ambassadors, business representatives, and mayors from different regions.
IFEMA Madrid is already working towards FITUR 2025, which will take place from Jan. 22 to Jan. 26, with Mexico taking over as the country partner of FITUR.
