The United Kingdom, Spain’s leading tourist source, will have a strong presence at FITUR 2025, with approximately 20 companies showcasing their tourism offerings and solutions.
MADRID, Dec. 16, 2024 — FITUR 2025, taking place from January 22 to 26, organized by IFEMA MADRID, and featuring Brazil as its Partner Country, will highlight the burgeoning tourism business ties between the United Kingdom and Spain, and the resulting opportunities for both nations’ tourism businesses. With FITUR less than two months away, nearly 20 British companies have confirmed their participation, showcasing their products and services, with notable involvement in Travel Technology.
The United Kingdom remains Spain’s primary outbound tourism market, with 12.66 million tourists visiting by August 2024, spending 15.758 billion euros— increases of 7.8% and 16%, respectively, compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Tourism. In 2023, 17.3 million British tourists visited Spain, representing 20.4% of total tourism; their spending reached 19.9 billion euros (a 16% rise). A growing trend shows increased mid-season travel, encouraging tourism diversification.
Conversely, the UK welcomed 1.3 million Spanish tourists in the first half of 2024, a 35% increase from the same period in 2023, according to the National Tourist Board of Great Britain, with a 48% rise in spending. In 2023, the UK saw 2.2 million visits from Spain, as reported by Visit Britain.
According to Turespaña, British tourists visiting Spain last year primarily traveled for leisure and stayed mostly in hotels. The majority were middle-class, highly educated couples, followed by families. Popular activities included beach visits, shopping, and sightseeing in cities.
Visit Britain data indicates that in 2023, 46% of Spanish spending in the UK resulted from holiday trips, 31% from visiting friends and family, and 15% from business. Over 60% of Spanish tourists (excluding British expatriates) were repeat visitors. 98% of Spanish visitors would “probably” or “very probably” recommend Britain for a holiday or short break.
In 2024, FITUR attracted 9,000 companies, representatives from 152 countries, and over 250,000 visitors.
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