Japan will have a major presence at FITUR with official representation and companies showing their latest products.
MADRID, Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Spain and Japan have great potential for the development of their tourism markets, as will be shown at FITUR 2025, to be held from 22 to 26 January, organised by IFEMA MADRID. In addition to their official participation through the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), companies such as Ibero Japan and the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau will be showcasing their value proposition to the global tourism market.
The Japanese market is showing a steady recovery in overseas travel, with particular demand for Spanish destinations. According to JNTO, in 2023 the number of Japanese departures amounted to 9.6 million, 310,590 destined for Spain, 150% more than in 2022. In the first seven months of 2024, the figure has reached 235,767, an increase of 147.35% compared to the same period in 2023.
In the first nine months of 2024, Japan welcomed 120,500 Spanish visitors, 56% more than in the same period of 2023. In addition, the Asian country will be increasing its appeal with the organisation of the Osaka World Expo 2025 and the JNTO will be presenting different proposals for travellers to mark this occasion at FITUR: luxury travel with destinations and experiences to escape from everyday life, regional destinations to discover and sustainable travel.
Yasuyuki Harada, executive director of the Japan National Tourist Office in Madrid, explains that with the return of Iberia's direct Madrid-Tokyo flight, the number of Spanish visitors to Japan is expected to reach a record high. "FITUR 2025 will be the first major tourism fair at which we can see how travel to Japan continues to follow this upward trend and will be a unique opportunity to discover the infinite variety of tourist attractions that this destination has to offer."
Tourist spending has also recovered in recent years, according to Oxford Economics. The spending of Japanese visitors to Spain in 2023 amounted to 840 million euros, with an average spend among the highest in the world, while Spaniards are, together with the Italians and Russians, the visitors who spend the most money on their trips to Japan.
In 2024, FITUR attracted 9,000 companies, 152 countries and more than 250,000 visitors.
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** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
FITUR 2025 will highlight the great potential for development of the Japanese and Spanish tourism markets
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The inaugural International MICE Summit (IMS24) has delivered transformational change for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, with 19 pivotal announcements on an action-packed opening day, bringing new leading exhibitions to Saudi Arabia.
Multi-billion and multi-million dollar global event companies such as RX Global, Messe Munich and Clarion announced new office openings in Saudi Arabia, to support the Kingdom's significant event growth plans over the coming decade.
Twelve new marquee event launches were announced to bring events such as Money20/20 (Informa/Tahaluf), FIBO (RX Global), World Refining Technology Congress; Advanced Therapies Week; Fire Department and Emergency Services Conference (Clarion), FSB Sports Show and International Hardware Show (Koelnmesse/DMG), HOST (Fiera Milano), ArabLab (Terrapin), Saudi Muscle Show (Italian Exhibition Group) and World Industrial Materials and World Advanced Packaging, Printing & Plastics (KAOUN) to Saudi Arabia.
"The first day of the International MICE Summit has been a tremendous success with three of the top 10 global Professional Event Organizers opening offices in Saudi Arabia, 12 new event launches, and multiple agreements signed to drive industry progress, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's status as the most exciting MICE hub globally," said His Excellency Fahd Al Rasheed, Chairman of the Summit's host the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA).
"Moreover, these announcements underscore the importance of the events and exhibitions industry as a catalyst for transformation, connecting people to opportunities in line with the goals of Vision 2030. IMS24 is driving investment opportunities and new partnerships across all sectors of the economy," HE Al Rasheed added.
In addition to office and event launches, four MOUs were signed with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Saudi Tourism Authority, the Events Investment Fund and the National Events Center.
Speakers on Day One included HE Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Minister of Tourism, and former Prime Ministers and Ministers from the United Kingdom, Italy, Bulgaria, and Greece, leaders of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and International Congress and Convention Association, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and executives from Informa, RX Global, Messe Munich, Clarion Events, and Messe Desseldorf, and Richard Attias & Associates.
IMS24 continues Monday, with a focus on catalyzing investment in the MICE sector, creating the event venues of the future, addressing global sustainability issues in the MICE industry. IMS24 has drawn over 1,000 global MICE industry leaders from more than 70 countries to Riyadh.
About the International MICE Summit
The International MICE Summit (IMS) gathers global leaders from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, as well as professionals, and organizations from across industries. It provides a platform for industry insights, networking, and discussions on advancing innovation, knowledge sharing and sustainable development within the global MICE sector.
Founding Partner: Eye of Riyadh
Supporting Partner: OAK View Group
Founding Partner: Soudah Development
Founding Partner: EIF
Founding Partner: Qiddiya
Hospitality Partner: Al Taanfethi
Associate Partner: RA&A
Strategic Partner: Informa/Tahaluf
For more information or to register for the event, visit:
Website – www.internationalmicesummit.com
Twitter/X - https://x.com/ims_summit
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ims-summit/
YouTube - https://youtube.com/@ims.summit?si=G06nYTaOUWer-OKq
For more pictures please click here.
About the Saudi Conferences and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA)
The Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) is the official body overseeing the development and regulation of Saudi Arabia's exhibitions and conventions sector. Established by Royal Decree in 2018, SCEGA aims to strengthen the sector's economic impact by setting strategic policies, issuing licenses, promoting Saudi Arabia as a premier MICE destination, and fostering investment in line with global standards. Through collaboration with national and international stakeholders, SCEGA works to enhance sector growth, support talent development, and create opportunities for showcasing the Kingdom's unique identity on the world stage.
Contact: IMSmedia@consulum.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
International MICE Summit (IMS) opening day delivers transformation, 19 announcements to drive event industry growth in the Kingdom
