The 44th edition of FITUR, Spain's tourism fair, has come to a successful conclusion, with data reflecting the growth of global tourism over the past year, laying the foundation for 2024. The exhibition welcomed a total of 250,000 visitors over the course of five days, including 153,000 trade visitors (January 24-26) and 97,000 general visitors (weekends on the 27th and 28th), an increase of 13 compared to 20237%。
Organized by the Fiera Madrid Exhibitions Group in Spain and Ecuador as a partner country of FITUR 2024, the expo brings together all stakeholders in the tourism value chain, showcasing the dynamism of the sector through a large number of commercial transactions and the exchange of best practices and knowledge.
The official report of ITB 2024 reveals record participation figures, with 9,000 companies from 152 countries, 96 official representative offices (20 more main exhibitors than in 2023), 9 pavilions, 10 thematic sectors in the tourism sector – "Fitur 4all", cruises, technology and exports, film and television, sports, talent and women, among others, as well as the "Fitur Next Observatory".
In addition, it is worth noting that the influx of tourists during the fair is expected to bring about 4300 million euros in revenue.
As in previous years, the 44th edition of FITUR was strongly supported by the International Tourism Organization (ITTO) and the national ministries. This year's exhibition was attended by King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, as well as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Ecuador** Daniel Noboa, Albanian Prime Minister Eddy Rama, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Zurab Pololikashvili, and more than a dozen presidents of Spanish autonomous regions.
The organiser, IFEMA Madrid, is already preparing for the next edition of the Fitur 2025, which will take place from 22 to 26 January 2025, with Mexico as the partner country.