Counting down to FITUR 2025, the key global event for the tourism industry
3 min read
The following individuals are seated in the order of their positions: María Valcarce, Director of FITUR; Almudena Maíllo del Valle, Head of the Madrid City Council’s Tourism Delegation; Daniel Martínez, Executive Vice President of IFEMA MADRID; Marco Sansavini, President of Iberia and Chairman of the FITUR Organizing Committee; José Vicente de los Mozos, Chairman of the Executive Committee of IFEMA MADRID; Rosario Sánchez, Secretary of State for Tourism; Orlando Leite Ribeiro, Ambassador of Brazil; Mariano de Paco, Deputy Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Sports of the Community of Madrid; and Arancha Priede, General Director of Trade Fairs and Congresses at IFEMA MADRID.
Asian Aussie Business | There are 9,500 companies from 156 countries and 884 main exhibitors in this growing edition, with Brazil taking center stage as the partner country.
For its 45th edition, taking place from January 22–26, the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) organized by IFEMA MADRID will unite the worldwide tourism industry. In 2025, the tourism industry is expected to continue its good performance, which will be showcased at the event. In this robust environment, the industry is working together under FITUR to showcase its sector pride, its potential for transformation, and its dedication to sustainability and innovation.
With support from every link in the value chain, FITUR re-establishes itself as the leading event in the international calendar of tourist fairs, drawing in a record number of participants and attendees. A total of 9,500 companies from 156 nations were represented at the press conference, with 884 primary exhibitors presenting their wares across nine rooms. Of these, 101 countries had official participation, lending credence to the claims made.
Projections indicate that around 150,000 professionals will attend FITUR 2025 from Wednesday through Friday, and around 100,000 members of the general public will attend during the weekend. This reflects the positive response from the industry. The transportation, hotel, food, culture, and entertainment industries, among others, stand to gain an estimated €445 million from this surge, which will have a favourable effect on Madrid’s economy.
An Important International Convention for the Travel Market
Following 2024’s post-pandemic rebound, FITUR is once again characterized by growth. There has been an increase of 10% overall and a surge of 19% in international representation, with 884 primary exhibitors now actively participating.
With 101 official country representations, an increase of five from the previous edition, and eleven additional nations, mostly from Asia and Africa, joining FITUR 2025, this international focus—central to FITUR’s objectives—is reflected.
With a 6% increase, the Travel Technology area now features over 100 firms from around the world and highlights the significance of innovation in tourism booking systems.
One of the most anticipated aspects of 2025 is Brazil’s role as Partner Country, where the country will make a strong appearance to promote its many tourist attractions and bolster its international standing. With 6,657,377 international tourists, a 12.6% rise from the previous year, Brazil set a new record for international tourism in 2024, according to figures from the Ministry of Tourism and Embratur.
Sustainability, Knowledge, and Business in the Tourism Industry of the Future
The 10 theme areas of FITUR have been revitalized, with a focus on sustainability and business by bridging the gap between the tourism industry and other fields to create new markets for tourists.
The joint venture between FITUR and CRUCEROADICTO, FITUR Cruises, will serve to showcase the cruise industry’s dedication to environmental responsibility. FITUR Lingua will investigate potential opportunities for language tourism in collaboration with FEDELE, while FITUR LGTB+ will advocate for inclusion and diversity. The Spanish film and tourism sectors will be brought together by FITUR Screen and the SPAIN FILM COMMISSION. Sports tourism promotes responsible travel, which FITUR Sports and AFYDAD will highlight.
AI is transforming the travel management industry, and FITUR Techy, a joint venture with ITH, will investigate this trend. Talent and training issues will be the center of attention at FITUR Talent. Together with WOMEN LEADING TOURISM, FITUR Woman will advocate for more women in leadership roles in the tourism industry. FITUR Know How & Export, created in collaboration with SEGITTUR and ICEX, will highlight the capabilities of Spanish tourist businesses. Finally, the second FITUR 4all Awards and the inaugural Best Practices Guide are only two examples of the ways in which FITUR 4all and IMPULSA IGUALDAD are working to promote accessible tourism.
How tourism may contribute to sustainable food management will be addressed at the Sustainability Observatory, FITURNEXT.
For further details, visit https://www.ifema.es/en/fitur.
Source: FITUR IFEMA Madrid
