Tourism Breaking News
Once again, ‘blue tourism’ will be taking centre stage at the International Tourism Trade Fair, FITUR, organised by IFEMA MADRID from 24 to 28 January 2024. The FITUR Cruises section will convert Hall 4 into the epicentre of the cruise industry, with destinations and major companies showcasing a wide range of experiences through a full programme of activities, conferences and stands.
Over the five days of the 44th edition of FITUR, this section will become the maritime enclave of reference where industry professionals and the general public can enjoy networking sessions, practical talks, dynamic events for all ages and meet-ups with the aim of promoting a deeper understanding of this holiday offer for travel agents and passengers alike.
Noteworthy participants of FITUR Cruises
With an impressive stand space, the iconic Disney Cruise Line will be bringing the magical experience of its cruises and dream-like destinations. Celebrity Cruises and Azamara will also be present at FITUR on their own stands, as will the renowned cruise line Costa Cruceros, with a double stand in front of the FITUR Cruises auditorium that will recreate the deck of a ship and showcase the new features of its itineraries for 2024 and 2025. As a new addition, the Turkish company specialising in cruises around the Greek islands and Eastern Mediterranean, Miray Cruises, will be participating for the first time at FITUR and will be presenting its programme for 2024.
Among the tourist destinations, it is worth highlighting the presence of Ceuta, which will be revealing the wonders that cruise passengers can enjoy when disembarking at its Mediterranean port and which is presented as one of the undiscovered jewels of this coast.
The non-profit organisation Mercy Ships, for its part, will be showing the more social and committed side of cruises and will be showing its solidarity work on hospital ships and its medical aid programmes in different African countries. Those interested can find out how to join the organisation’s team of on-board volunteers.
Activities scheduled during the fair
The FITUR Cruises’ auditorium and meeting space will become the meeting and networking point for professionals forming part of this travel segment: cruise lines, destinations and ports. In addition, attendees can enjoy a packed programme of activities that will showcase the world of cruising and strengthen its growing positioning in the industry.
Cruise Campus is an innovative system of mini courses that, using a practical approach, and with the assistance of experts from the different areas of marketing, communication and even professional travellers, will be addressing aspects of the cruising experience from all angles.
The activities on offer will also be complemented by the presence over the five days of experts from the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), executives from Puertos del Estado, professors from the Complutense University of Madrid, executives from cruise lines and tourism offices, as well as seasoned travellers, who will be discussing all the aspects that determine and influence the cruise travel experience and its trends.
With the focus on B2B, on Thursday 25 January different talks will be held to analyse the present and future of the sector and in the afternoon the winners of the Cruceroadicto 2023 Awards will be announced, an international recognition in which Spanish-speaking cruisers award the best cruises of 2023 in different categories. The last day of the event open to trade visitors, Friday 26th, will be focusing on the marketing of cruises where travel agencies will be at the centre of the activities with special talks and training sessions.
FITUR Cruises opens up to travellers and the general public at the weekend
On Saturday 27 January the big attraction will be the third edition of the ‘Cruise Scavenger Hunt’, a big treasure hunt in which participants will have to locate different cruise ship ports of call among all the stands at FITUR. Successful participants will be eligible to win numerous prizes, including cruises, at a party in the evening.
Also on Saturday the popular ‘Café&Cruceros’ provided by Cafés La Mexicana is taking place and, on Sunday, there will be a cruisers’ breakfast before the final Cruise Campus talks.
There are many more new features and surprises in store at FITUR Cruises during FITUR 2024, the largest international tourism event organised by IFEMA MADRID from 24 to 28 January 2024.
