Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Fitur surpasses expectations with record numbers

Fitur, the International Tourism Fair organised by IFEMA Madrid, reported nearly 255,000 attendees, reaffirming the continued growth in the sector and the event's leadership position.
 
The 45th International Tourism Fair took place from Janaury 22 to 26. A significant growth was in attendance during the first three days, which welcomed 155,000 professionals.
 
These figures reflect the strong recovery of the global tourism industry in 2024, with 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals, according to UNWTO, as well as record numbers for both Spain and Madrid, which saw 94 million and 16 million visitors, respectively. 
 
Furthermore, these Fitur figures anticipate the forecast that, in 2025, both travellers and tourism spending will continue to grow, driven by strong demand. Worldwide, tourism-related revenues have reached $1.9 trillion, with Spain and Madrid following this trend. 
 
Tourist spending figures have risen to 126 billion euros nationally and 16 billion euros in the Madrid region. Moreover, these figures from Fitur anticipate that by 2025 both traveller numbers and tourism spending will continue to grow, driven by strong demand.
 
Alongside these outstanding attendance figures, and with a total of nine halls, Fitur 2025 hosted more than 9,500 companies across 884 stands. This year, Fitur has brought together 156 countries from around the world, with 101 of them participating with official delegations. This influx also has an economic impact of 445 million euros on Madrid.
 
Under the theme "Proud. We Are Tourism," Fitur has celebrated an edition in which all stakeholders have advocated for sustainability criteria to ensure balanced and viable global growth in the medium and long term for both the planet and local communities. Additionally, experts have emphasized how diversification, seasonality reduction, and the integration of new technological tools are driving an inclusive and competitive tourism model that ensures a more sustainable future for all. This model is promoting different types of tourism that contribute to this development, including sports, film, and language tourism.
 
Progress toward this sustainable tourism model is also essential to preserve the right to travel for future generations, ensuring that travel remains an accessible and enriching reality.
 
IFEMA Madrid is already working on the 2026 edition of Fitur, which will take place from January 21 to 25, with Mexico as the Partner Country. - TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

AquaChemie opens advanced chemical facility in Kezad

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad Group), one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, today (February 12) announced the opening of AquaChemie Global Chemicals' new facility within its integrated economic ecosystem. 
 
A UAE-based chemical manufacturing group, AquaChemie said its 25,800-sqm facility in Kezad Area A (Kezad Al Ma’mourah) is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure built to adhere to global safety and environmental standards.  
 
This milestone development strengthens the UAE’s local manufacturing capabilities and aligns with the nation’s “Make it in the Emirates” programme, said Kezad in a statement.
 
AquaChemie, which has invested AED90 million ($24 million) in the facility, will utilise the site to manufacture, store, and blend, drumming  a diverse range of industrial chemicals in liquid and solids shape, primarily serving Adnoc and other major clients. 
 
This development enhances supply chain resilience, reduces reliance on imports, and supports sustainable industrial practices in the region, it stated.
 
Mansoor Al Marar, VP - Industrial Business Development, Kezad Group, said: "The opening of AquaChemie’s facility highlights Kezad Group’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and a thriving ecosystem that fosters innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth."
 
"By supporting projects like AquaChemie, KEZAD continues to play a critical role in advancing the UAE’s industrial diversification goals and driving regional economic competitiveness," he noted.
 
Anand Kumar, the Managing Director of AquaChemie, said: "Our facility at Kezad represents a significant milestone in AquaChemie’s strategic growth. Kezad’s robust infrastructure, strategic connectivity, and business-friendly environment provide us with the tools to deliver high-quality chemical solutions, meet the needs of our clients, and contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s industrial ambitions."
 
Through its strategic location, Kezad provides AquaChemie with direct access to its multimodal logistics network, including proximity to Khalifa Port, ensuring seamless regional and global connectivity, stated Kumar. 
 
"Kezad continues to attract leading industrial players with its competitive ecosystem, world-class infrastructure, and tailored solutions, positioning it as a preferred destination for global investors," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Saudia to fly 10 new destinations this year

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, will more than 10 new destinations this year, significantly expanding its global flight network.
 
The new destinations offer a diverse range of destinations, spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. They include: Vienna (Austria), Venice (Italy), Larnaca (Cyprus), Athens and Heraklion (Greece), Nice (France), Malaga (Spain), Bali (Indonesia), Antalya (Turkey), El Alamein (Egypt), and Salalah (Oman). 
 
Saudia flies to over 100 destinations across four continents.
 
Eng Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “Following last year’s operational success, we've implemented a strategic plan for 2025 to ensure continued excellence and meet rising international travel demand. Our destination selection is based on comprehensive feasibility studies and guest preferences. We are committed to providing our international guests with exceptional travel experiences that combine comfort, efficiency, and authentic Saudi hospitality.”
 
This strategic growth, fuelled by a 16% increase in international guest numbers last year, reflects the airline’s commitment to connecting the world and meeting increasing global travel demand, the airline said.
 
Saudia has a modern fleet of 147 Boeing and Airbus aircraft. The airline’s commitment to high standards of onboard service, including comfortable seating, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and authentic Saudi hospitality, complements the diverse destinations offered. Saudia's planned delivery of 118 new aircraft during the upcoming years will further enhance its operational capacity, the airline said. - TradeArabia News Service