Fitur closes with a record number of visitors despite the boycott of taxi drivers
MadridUpdated:
The 39th edition of the International Tourism Fair of Madrid, Fitur 2019, which closes its doors today, has registered a record number of participants of 253,000 people, representing a growth of 0.7% compared to last year, with 1.8% more professionals (142,642) in its first three days, which has been the largest and most international call to date, which already represents 55% of the total, after growing by 11%.
The economic impact for the capital amounts to 325 million of euros after five days full of hotels, according to the organization. A few hours after the closing of the fair, it is estimated that the public visit during the weekend will exceed 100,000 people.
"The high business activity has been concentrated in Fitur's professional days, with an agenda that has generated 9,150 B2B meetings with international buyers, and 49,711 appointments requested in the digital agenda," Ifema said in a statement.
A few hours after its closure, the data released by Ifema consolidates Fitur's leadership as the great business forum of the world tourism industry, and one of the main tourist fairs in Europe with the ITB in Berlin and the WTM in London, coinciding with the evolution of the sector.
Fitur 2019, which once again was inaugurated by the King and Queen of Spain, has gathered nearly 700 authorities, including ministers from 62 countries, ambassadors and senior representatives from around the world, will close its doors today after receiving, according to estimates pending closure , to around 253,000 participants. More than 7,500 journalists from 68 countries have been accredited to carry out the news coverage of the fair.
In Fitur 2019 has beaten record the professional presence, with 142,642 accredited from around the world (+ 1.8%), the participation of companies, with more than 10,487 of 165 countries and direct exhibitors (886 entities (+ 8.3%).
This growth has had its reflection in the net surface of exposure, which has exceeded 67,495 m2, and has represented a growth of 2.5%, and the occupation of 9 pavilions of Feria de Madrid.
The largest increase in the Fair was recorded by international participation, which increased by 11%, led by growth in Africa (+15) and Europe (+ 13%). National participation has grown by 6%.
As main novelties this year have highlighted the participation of the Dominican Republic as a partner country Fitur, with the presence of 32 companies and a high visibility of the "It has everything" brand, which has resulted in hundreds of business meetings, especially with travel agencies and tour operators.
