Sustainable and accessible tourism, the backbone of FITUR 2024
FITUR 2024, organised by IFEMA MADRID and to be held from 24 to 28 January at the Exhibition Centre, is presented as the world's leading trade fair not only in the field of tourism, but also in the commitment to sustainability and environmental, social and corporate governance responsibility in the sector.
- FITUR's sections, a step forward towards more responsible models
- Responsibility, a differential value of FITUR exhibitors
- FITUR Next Observatory, the initiatives that show how tourism contributes to the revitalisation of territories
Aware of the need to address current challenges, the 44th edition will be a loudspeaker for good practices and the promotion of strategies aimed at fostering respectful tourism with which to promote the development of an increasingly sustainable economy.
To this end, the International Tourism Trade Fair plans to organise numerous activities, workshops and conferences focused on training, awareness-raising and knowledge exchange to highlight the importance of sustainable tourism, which minimises its impact on the environment and has a positive impact on culture and local communities and corporate governance, promoting equality and inclusion.
FITUR's sections, a step forward towards more responsible models
Thus, all of FITUR's sections have sustainability as a common thread, highlighting the first edition of FITUR 4all, which will be developed in conjunction with Impulsa Igualdad to raise awareness of the importance of advancing towards accessible and inclusive tourism. In favour of equality, the work of FITUR Woman stands out, which gives visibility to female talent in tourism and promotes equal opportunities, as well as FITUR LGBT+. FITUR Screen, FITUR Sports and FITUR Lingua, meanwhile, stand out for their aim to promote destinations with which to deseasonalise and distribute tourism activity throughout the territories, which is fundamental for the development of communities and progress towards increasingly sustainable models. Finally, FITUR Cruises, which focuses on cruise tourism characterised by the responsibility of blue tourism, and FITUR Talent, with its social and economic dimension of addressing the challenges and opportunities of talent in tourism.
Responsibility, a differential value of FITUR exhibitors
FITUR encourages the sustainable participation of its exhibitors, professionals and visitors through action guides and recommendations to be followed, with the aim of minimising the impact on the fair's environment and enhancing its positive aspects. In this context, for the second consecutive year, IFEMA MADRID will measure the carbon footprint generated at FITUR as a reflection of its firm commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness, pledging to reduce the levels detected at the next edition of the international event.
In this way, sustainable participation at FITUR will be boosted by the Sustainable Stand Awards which, in collaboration with the Responsible Tourism Institute (ITR), aim to recognise exhibitors' efforts to ensure that their presence at FITUR is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
FITUR Next Observatory, the initiatives that show how tourism contributes to the revitalisation of territories
The Fitur Next Observatory, an initiative that rewards projects for their replicability and positive impact in different areas, in its fifth edition will reward those tourism initiatives that contribute to revitalising territories and alleviating depopulation with the aim of promoting employment and local consumption, reducing inequalities in rural areas and promoting a balance between the rural, the urban and sustainability.
According to UN data, in 2018, 55% of the world's population lived in cities, a percentage that is expected to reach 70% by 2050. This process is detrimental to the planet as these cities alone consume 75% of energy resources and emit 80% of carbon pollution. In Spain, 84% of the territory represents empty Spain, with only 15.9% of the population living there.
Given these figures, for FITUR it is essential that tourism activities are approached from a regenerative approach to tourism, taking into account the relationship between local communities, the environment and economic development, and promoting a net positive impact on the territories where it takes place.
Once again this year, Fitur Next will organise activities, conferences and round tables around the challenge of this edition. The programme will feature experts in depopulation and territorial revitalisation. The agenda will address issues such as depopulation, regenerative and responsible tourism as a driver of destination development and sustainability in the sector.
FITUR 2024 demonstrates that sustainable tourism is not only a trend, but an imperative need to guarantee an equitable future for generations to come, and presents a reflection of an industry with a clearly responsible orientation, and highlights the efforts, commitments and advances in sustainability of destinations and companies. The International Tourism Fair establishes long-term commitments to continue improving its practices and scope, seeking to foster collaboration between the main players in the global tourism industry.