FITUR Cruises 2025 explores the boom in cruising and the challenges, opportunities and keys to take advantage of this growing demand
The largest number of cruise lines ever in its four editions is a reflection of this growth in cruise tourism and it will also be presenting the Cruceroadicto Awards to the best cruises of 2024.
With unprecedented global growth, cruising closed 2023 as a landmark year for the industry's performance after reaching the highest figures in its history. This is reflected in data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which included some noteworthy figures such as, 31.7 million passengers, an $86.6 million contribution to global GDP and the creation of 1.6 million jobs worldwide.
In this context, and in view of the forecast that blue tourism will continue to increase and reach 35.7 million passengers in 2024 and that from 2024 to 2028 its worldwide capacity will grow by at least 10%, from 22 to 26 January 2025 FITUR Cruises will be bringing together the main players that make this type of tourism possible - cruise lines, destinations and ports - to analyse the implications of this boom in demand, the wide variety it offers travellers and the new economic opportunities that cruises open up in traditional destinations and emerging markets.
Organised in collaboration with cruceroadicto.com, Hall 4 of IFEMA Madrid will become the epicentre of the cruise industry with a full schedule that combines the exhibition side with an extensive programme of presentations and an interesting array of activities that will allow both tour operators and travellers to deepen their knowledge of travel offer.
FITUR Cruises: exhibition, presentations, training and activities around one of the most dynamic and strategic segments of the tourism industry
FITUR Cruises 2025 will have the largest number of cruise lines in its four editions, with confirmation to date of the participation of nine leading companies from four countries, representing all types of cruise ships available on the market. From family cruises with hundreds of attractions and a wide range of leisure on-board activities to ultra-luxury cruises with helicopters and submarines, premium and upper premium cruises offering fine dining, expedition cruises, river cruises or cruises specialising in a specific geographical area.
On the conference side, as well as bringing the world of cruises closer to industry professionals and building loyalty among seasoned cruisers and potential travellers, the Cruise Campus will be offering mini-courses on aspects such as marketing, communication and travel experience from all angles in a practical way and from leading experts.
In addition, the third edition of the Cruceroadicto Awards will be held on Thursday 23 January, where the winners voted by the international community of Spanish-speaking cruisers in the categories of best ship, best cruise line and best destination of 2024 will be revealed.
After the exclusively B2B focus of the professional conferences, the FITUR Cruises weekend opens up to the end traveller with some interesting activities. In this respect, the fourth edition of the Cruise Scavenger Hunt will be taking place once again; a great treasure hunt among the FITUR stands, as well as the popular Café & Cruises on the Saturday of the fair and the cruise ship breakfast on the Sunday.
The International Tourism Trade Fair is holding its 45th edition, bringing together the global tourism market from 22 to 26 January at IFEMA MADRID.