Madrid becomes, from today, the great capital of world tourism. For five days, from January 24 to 28, Ifema will host Fitur, the great international fair that once again brings together the main players related to the travel sector. This year's figures speak for themselves: 152 countries, which is 20 more than in 2023; dozens of destinations, among which 31 national destinations -autonomous communities, towns and cities- stand out; 806 exhibitors, with dozens of hotels, travel agencies or means of transport, 9,000 participating companies...
Once again, the show, which this year reaches its 44th edition, will be the setting for the presentation of the latest trends in the sector, with Ecuador as a partner country. Sustainability will be the transversal axis around which the entire offer will be structured; a highly qualified offer aimed at improving tourism management, professional contact, promotion of destinations and traveler experiences.
After three days intended for professional visitors, in which there will be conferences, debates, workshops, presentations and exhibitions of all kinds, Fitur will open its doors to the general public on the weekend. For two days, travelers will be able to enjoy numerous activities that will allow them to go around the world and, above all, dream of distant paradises. Stands with demonstrations, gastronomic tastings, wine tastings, contests, raffles, workshops, concerts, talks... In short, an offer that will not leave anyone indifferent.
Choosing the best travel destinations from such a wide offer is certainly complicated. However, below, we propose nine places presented at the fair that, for one reason or another, we consider especially interesting.
The American country, which is presented under the motto Shine Authentically, is an amalgam of very diverse ecosystems and cultures, encompassed in four worlds: Galapagos, the coast, the Andes and the Amazon. The Galapagos, a world heritage site, is a natural laboratory that preserves prehistoric fauna and an idyllic setting for diving, surfing, research and conservation. The Amazon, the heart of the jungle, considered one of the world's great suppliers of oxygen, is home to ancient cultures and an infinite variety of species of flora and fauna. The Andes open the door to discovering mountains, rivers, moors and volcanoes, such as Chimborazo - recognized as the furthest point from the center of the Earth - and colonial cities. The Pacific coast, for its part, is dotted with fishing villages, historic cities and dozens of beaches to get lost in.
It is one of the fashionable destinations this year and it has no shortage of attractions. Despite sharing a continent and being an affordable country, Bulgaria is still largely unknown to Spanish tourists. Virgin nature in the form of high mountains - the Musala, the highest peak, exceeds 2,900 meters; quiet beaches on the shores of the Black Sea; Hidden monasteries, and picturesque cities and fortresses that reflect the presence of different civilizations throughout its history justify a trip to this area of the Balkans. We cannot forget its gastronomy and its increasingly recognized local wines either.
The official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum has become one of the most anticipated events in international tourism. After numerous delays, everything indicates that - now - the total opening is very close. This circumstance adds a plus to the reasons to travel to Egypt during the coming months. The country is presented in Fitur with a letter of introduction backed by its impressive cultural heritage, the legacy of an unrepeatable civilization that it embraces, from the pyramids of Giza, the temple of Luxor or Abu Simbel, to the peaceful cruises on the Nile or the discovery from bustling Cairo.
Iberojet's new weekly air route between Madrid and Bangkok, scheduled between May and December - the only one so far - makes Thailand a destination that Spanish travelers should take into account. The country travels to Fitur with an inspiring proposal focused on new immersive experiences in key destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket, in addition to publicizing emerging routes such as Phuket-Khao Lak-Khao Sok; Bangkok-Kanchanaburi-Hua Hin and Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai-Phuket. The country is also postulated as a honeymoon and golf destination, and a market open to the LGTBIQ community.
The southernmost region of Portugal has been recognized on ten occasions (the last last fall) as the best beach destination in Europe by the World Travel Awards, considered the Oscars of the tourism sector. However, in this edition of Fitur, beyond the sea, the sun and nature, the Algarve is claimed as a wine destination. A land with a long winemaking tradition, it offers a wide range of wine and gastronomic experiences through a route that allows you to learn about the diversity, history and heritage of this region. And, thanks to its more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, a unique terroir and the little thermal variation caused by Atlantic breezes, its production has reached high levels of quality and has achieved admirers and awards all over the world.
Less visited than other neighbors such as Rajasthan or Uttar Pradesh, the state of Madhya Pradesh treasures temples, impressive monuments and national parks with great wildlife. Known as "the heart of India", it has three locations: Sanchi, Bhimbetka and Khajuraho, declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. The area offers the traveler, in addition to adventure, with activities such as jungle safaris or water sports, a fascinating spiritual and cultural panorama.
The Victoria Falls, which serve as the border with Zimbabwe, are Zambia's great tourist presentation card. However, the country, which this year has been chosen by ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents) as one of the top ten travel destinations, offers countless wonders. And the country is home to some of the most luxurious safari lodges in Africa, located in national parks such as South Luangwa, an optimal natural space to observe the big five, but, above all, to see leopards in their natural habitat.
Finland, in addition to being the happiest country in the world, is a destination committed to the planet frequented by nature lovers. However, in 2024, it adds a new reason to be visited: the designation of Saima as a European Region of Gastronomy. Located in the Thousand Lakes region, it is winning numbers among lovers of good food for its commitment to its culinary culture.
In 2024, the largest of the Pitiusas is celebrating: it marks 25 years since UNESCO included it in its catalog of world heritage sites. And the island, a crossroads of civilizations over the centuries, has been a transit point for Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs... Already in the 20th century, it became a place of pilgrimage for artists. We are talking about the Phoenician site of Sa Caleta, the necropolis of Puig des Molins, the historic center of Dalt Vila and the extensive meadows of Posidonia oceanica that live in Ibizan waters.
