3 Things You Can’t Miss at FITUR 2019
FITUR, one of the most important tourism industry events in the world, takes place from January 23 to January 27, in Madrid.
FITUR — the International Tourism Fair — is one of the most important tourism industry events in the world and it takes place in Madrid, Spain, from January 23 to January 27. Dedicated to all decision-makers in the tourism industry, this event showcases countries’ and regions’ unique aspects in several pavilions at IFEMA, the Trade Fair Institution of Madrid.
Last year only, the annual fair gathered more than 10,000 exhibitors from 165 countries/regions, over 140,000 trade participants and 111,000 people from the general public.
FITUR has become a global meeting point for the tourism industry and a great business tool to boost business contacts and deals. But also, for the general public, this is the perfect place to find their next dream vacation, taste food from all over the world and enjoy some live world music.
New Exhibition Areas for Niche Market
FITUR is already known for their spaces dedicated to LGBT and Health tourism, but also for FITURTECHY and FITUR KNOW-HOW where tech is presented as one of the most used tools to help develop the tourism sector. But, this year, aside from these spaces, the exhibition area is larger, in order to accommodate new segments that you must visit.
FITUR 2019 opens a new zone for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, and Exhibitions) tourism. MICE tourism or travel is a niche area of tourism focused on planning, booking and facilitating conferences, seminars and large events. FITUR MITM — MICE & BUSINESS is a synergy between FITUR and GSAR Marketing. This new format has an agenda of up to 30 meetings pre-booked between companies interested in participating and around 100 international Directors.
There will also be a new section dedicated to Film Tourism, promoted by Spain Film Commission (SFC). This is a new and growing tourism niche that refers to the growing interest in meeting locations that became popular due to their appearance in movies or tv shows.
One of this year’s highlight will be the launch of FITURNEXT Observatory. With the goal of revealing trends and new business models for the industry, the Observatory will act as a guide during the next three years.
What will also mark this year’s FITUR, just like before, is the activities that happen during the Fair and that are organized by International Organizations such as World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Latin American Conference for Tourism Ministers and Businessmen (CIMET) and The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
FITUR Awards
People from all over the world come to FITUR for two reasons: exhibit their products/services/companies or meeting with the exhibitors. With more than 10,000 exhibitors, the exhibitors’ list is a big plus for FITUR’s visitors.
That’s why FITUR, along with other organizations, takes the opportunity to reward what’s done best in the tourism industry and celebrate it with hundreds of thousands of people. So if you are to attend FITUR 2019, make sure not miss out on meeting the winners for these Awards:
- XXIV Best Active Tourism Product Contest — This year is the 24th edition, and it aims to boost development and marketing within the tourism industry while promoting high-quality tourism products.
- 20th Tribuna FITUR-Jorge Vila Fradera Award — dedicated to the academic community, this award’s goal is to select an unpublished tourism-themed research paper.
- II Edition Responsible Tourism Award — this prize is aimed at all companies exhibiting at FITUR 2019 which have contributed to promoting responsible tourism over the last two years.
- FITUR Stand Awards — aims to reward their exhibitors in three categories — Spanish Institutions and Regions, Countries, Companies — based on their professionalism, communications/promotion, and design.
Visit Madrid
Last but not least, you can’t miss Madrid! Madrid is the biggest city in Spain, and it is home every year to the greatest travel fair in the world — FITUR. Well-known for its business vibe and vibrant nightlife, Madrid offers its tourists rich sights, amazing museums, and the best restaurants and hotels in Europe.
If you’re attending FITUR, make sure to take a break from the fair and get to know Madrid. Here are some places you won’t regret visiting during your stay:
- Museums: Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofia
- Puerta del Sol: one of the worlds’ most famous squares
- El Retiro Park: enjoy Madrid’s park life and rest your feet under a tree at Retiro
- Rastro: one of the worlds’ most famous street markets and the oldest in Madrid
Packed with history, delicious food, and friendly people, Madrid won’t disappoint you. Treat yourself with a Madrid experience!
Let’s meet at FITUR?
Tiago Araújo, HiJiffy’s CEO, will be in Madrid from Wednesday, 23rd, to Friday, 25th of January.
If you want to know more about how our solution can help you improve your Customer Care, let’s schedule a meeting! Hope to see you there 😁
NB: This is a viewpoint by Ana Morais, Head of Marketing @ HiJiffy. HiJiffy brings chat to the hospitality and travel industry, enabling customers to connect with you through instant messaging apps effectively.
