FITUR to focus on India’s strength

FITUR 2025, to be organised by IFEMA MADRID from 22-26 January 2025, will spotlight India’s growth as a leading outbound tourism market. With an expanding middle class, rising disposable incomes, and diverse travel interests, India is increasingly shaping global tourism trends while looking at boosting its inbound numbers too.

TT Bureau

India stands out as one of the world’s most dynamic outbound tourism markets, driven by its rapidly growing middle class, rising disposable incomes, and a broadening spectrum of travel preferences. FITUR 2025, scheduled in Madrid from 22-26 January this year, is expected to highlight India’s growth as one of the largest source markets for international travel.

India’s tourism potential

With over 80 million passport holders and an outbound tourism expenditure of $42 billion in 2024, India is now firmly established as one of the most promising source markets for international tourism. According to IndBiz, the country’s growth trajectory positions it as a powerhouse in outbound travel.

Europe’s appeal to Indians

Europe is one of the most popular destinations for Indian travelers, with nearly 20 per cent of outbound Indians choosing European countries for their vacations. Destinations that are well-connected and offer a diverse mix of experiences, from luxury and culture to adventure and wellness, are particularly favoured. FITUR 2025 will highlight India’s evolving travel patterns, showcasing the growing demand for a variety of European offerings.

Indian representation

FITUR 2024 saw strong participation from India, with notable contributions from the Ministry of Tourism and key state tourism offices, including Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. As the event expands in 2025, India’s representation is set to grow, with regions like
Rajasthan, UP, and Puducherry now joining the spotlight. This broadening participation reflects India’s increasing importance on the international tourism stage.

The Iberian Peninsula: A draw for Indian tourists

Indian buyers and travel agents are showing an increased interest in the Iberian Peninsula, with Spain and Portugal emerging as top European destinations. Their rich cultural heritage, history, gastronomy, and modern amenities have proven to be a winning combination for Indian travellers. The accessibility of these destinations has been enhanced by increasing air connectivity via hubs like Dubai and Istanbul, as well as the ease of travel afforded by the Schengen visa.

A global tourism hub

FITUR 2024 set impressive records with participation from 152 countries, including 96 with official representation, 9,000 companies, and over 250,000 attendees. This year’s event is expected to continue that momentum, providing a valuable opportunity for Indian tourism professionals to engage with global industry players.