doudou5From January 24th to 28th, 2024, IFEMA Madrid will host the 44th International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR). Recognized as one of the premier events in global tourism, FITUR not only leads in this sector but also emphasizes sustainability along with environmental, social, and corporate governance responsibilities. This year’s fair aims to champion best practices and advocate strategies that promote respectful tourism for sustainable economic growth.
To meet these objectives, FITUR plans an array of activities including workshops, presentations, and conferences focused on training, raising awareness, and sharing knowledge about sustainable tourism’s importance. The initiative seeks to minimize environmental impact while positively influencing culture, local communities, and corporate governance through equality and inclusion promotion.
Theme Exhibitions at FITUR Embrace Responsible Models
Sustainability will be a central theme across all exhibitions at FITUR. A notable new addition is the inaugural FITUR 4all exhibition developed with Impulsa Igualdad (a Spanish organization promoting equality), spotlighting accessible and inclusive tourism’s significance. The FITUR Woman exhibition underscores female talent within the industry while advocating for equal job opportunities. Other exhibitions like FITUR LGBT+, FITUR Screen (film-focused), FITUR Sports, and FITUR Lingua aim to promote tourist destinations by diversifying activities across regions—key for community development towards more sustainable models. The FITUR CRUISES exhibition highlights cruise tourism with a focus on blue tourism responsibility; meanwhile, the FITUR Talent exhibition addresses talent-related challenges and opportunities from both social and economic angles.
Exhibitors’ Commitment to Sustainability at FITUR
FITUR urges exhibitors, practitioners in tourism sectors as well as visitors to adhere to its guidelines for sustainable participation—minimizing environmental impacts while amplifying positive outcomes. For a second year running IFEMA Madrid will measure the carbon footprint generated by FITUR reflecting its dedication towards sustainability through actionable steps; it has committed itself towards reducing these levels at future editions.
Moreover,”Sustainable Stand Awards,” co-established by Responsible Tourism Institute alongside Fitur will acknowledge exhibitors aligning their participation efforts with UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
“FITURNEXT Observatory” Highlights Tourism’s Role in Regional Revitalization
Hosting its fifth award event organized under “FITURNEXT Observatory,” Fitur aims at recognizing projects demonstrating replicable positive impacts across various domains.The awards celebrate initiatives aiding regional revitalization curbing population decline via employment promotion local consumption reduction inequalities rural areas fostering urban-rural balance sustainability.
According to data from the United Nations, by 2018, 55% of the world’s population lived in urban areas. This figure is expected to rise to 70% by 2050. However, this rapid urbanization has significant negative impacts on our planet; these cities alone consume 75% of global energy resources and are responsible for 80% of carbon emissions. In Spain specifically, a staggering 84% of its territory is known as “España vaciada” (Empty Spain), with only 15.9% of its population living there.
In light of these facts, it is vital for FITUR that tourism activities be planned and executed using sustainable methods. This involves taking into account the relationships between local communities, environmental considerations, and economic development while striving to create a net positive impact on developed areas.
The “FITUR Next” observatory will again host various events including activities, meetings, and roundtable discussions focused on this year’s exhibition challenges. Experts in population decline and territorial revitalization will be invited to participate. Topics on the agenda include addressing population decline, promoting regenerative and responsible tourism as engines for destination development, and enhancing sustainability within the tourism sector.
The 2024 International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) emphasizes that sustainable tourism is not merely a trend but an essential requirement for ensuring a fair future for upcoming generations. The event also showcases a tourism industry committed to responsibility by highlighting efforts made by tourist destinations and companies towards sustainable development. FITUR has pledged long-term dedication to improving its practices and outreach efforts while fostering cooperation among key players in the global tourism industry.
