Figures from the first international event of the year for the tourism industry confirm the long-awaited news: excursions have once again become part of the desired normality. Tourism has experienced a strong recovery and is close to returning to pre-pandemic health. FITUR’s commitment to continue its call as the only active meeting point in Europe during the two years of the pandemic, together with the positive development of data from the national and international tourism industry in recent months, has made it possible to consolidate significant growth. Fair (similar to the record edition held in 2020): 8,500 exhibitors, 131 countries and 66,900 net m2 exhibition. Regarding the attendee estimate, a significant influx is expected, with numbers exceeding 120,000 professionals and approximately 90,000 general public visitors attending over the weekend.
These important developments will also be reflected in FITUR’s capacity to create a viable economic injection for Madrid, whose estimated revenue exceeds €400 million in sectors such as accommodation, transport, commerce or entertainment and restaurants.
News and commitment to sustainable development
FITUR continues to advance along the line of expertise, helping to promote the different industrial sectors that have an impact on tourism and have developed a whole tourism strategy around its activities. Two more important innovations have been added to the already usual sections (FITURTechy, FITUR LGBT+, FITUR Lingua, FITUR Talent, FITUR Woman…) this year: FITUR SPORTS section deals with one of the growing tourism branches. the importance of products for both destinations and companies for various reasons. Sports tourism not only helps de-seasonalize the season, but also promotes regional development in non-touristic or urban settings, positions destinations internationally, and has a visitor profile with above-average spending levels. Organized in collaboration with the Spanish sports industry association (Afydad), this new space will demonstrate that sports tourism is the driver of sustainable growth for the tourism industry and will be the meeting point between the two to highlight its potential. leverage socioeconomic development, analyze challenges, share knowledge and create job opportunities.
In addition, the FITUR CRUISES division is strengthened, expanding its scope to cover B2B and B2C areas, and aims to contribute to better awareness of this tourist offer by both travel agencies and travelers.
In addition to these contents, FITUR Sustainability Observatory, FITUR Next, which will address the problem of how tourism can contribute to the regeneration of the natural environment with a program on revitalizing tourism and reward the best practices developed in this regard, is added.
Weekend at FITUR
On January 21 and 22, FITUR will open its doors to the public, who will have the opportunity to travel the world in the 8 pavilions of the fair, get information from the presentation of an extraordinary place to decide on a national or international destination. guide your next trip. Contests and sweepstakes, musical performances, gastronomic tastings, handicraft workshops, cultural and artistic events, etc., are on the agenda of the planned events. is located.
Leading country Guatemala
Under the new brand “Guatemala. Amazing and unstoppable”, the FITUR 2023 Partner country will showcase all its proposals to announce the broad offer of the Central American nation, which has enjoyed great cultural and gastronomic richness for thousands of years. The stand, where typical textiles and vibrant colors will be displayed, will be a reflection of Guatemalan culture and tradition.
In addition, its presence at FITUR will be a tribute to the heritage and biodiversity that characterizes its various destinations and will offer Guatemalan companies the opportunity to stay in touch with the Spanish and European sector through the significant opportunity it represents to reach tourists.