The International Tourism Fair, which will be held from 22 to 26 January and organised by IFEMA MADRID, will be the stage for FITUR WOMAN, the space that highlights the role of women in the tourism industry. Organised by FITUR and Women Leading Tourism (WLT), it is celebrating its fifth anniversary with the support of Extremadura and under the concept of 'Pride of Belonging', which will explore the emotional bond of people with tourist destinations and their impact on social well-being and the sustainable development of countries, regions and local communities.
In addition, female leadership will be the central theme of FITUR WOMAN, which will bring together prominent leaders from the business and government spheres to highlight how women and their role in the management of companies and public bodies can raise tourism pride to a new level.
Maribel Rodríguez, president of Women Leading Tourism, highlights that "It is time to manage intelligently, with the participation of all actors, safeguarding the feelings of belonging of the population residing in tourist areas. We must avoid depersonalization; authenticity is not only a key differentiating value for destinations, but also an opportunity for regions seeking to position themselves in the global market in a sustainable and competitive manner. Promoting tourism from this perspective allows not only to attract visitors, but also to generate local pride, preserve heritage and guarantee the well-being of future generations."
This year, Extremadura is being presented at FITUR Woman as an example of how to integrate female leadership in the development of tourism that preserves local identity and generates opportunities. A benchmark destination in sustainability that promotes a tourism sector with a triple positive impact on the environment: social, environmental and economic. We support FITUR Woman as a space that inspires and makes visible the role of women as drivers of change in the tourism sector.
FITUR Woman: program preview
The FITUR WOMAN 2025 programme will include several key panels to explore the Pride of Belonging from different perspectives.
'Destination and Culture' will analyse how tourist destinations can maintain their cultural authenticity. Experts will address the DNA of local communities, strategies to involve the resident population and the importance of promoting and safeguarding the cultural identity of tourist destinations.
The 'Tourism Sector' panel will discuss sustainable and inclusive tourism companies that foster a work environment that retains the best talent, offers opportunities for professional development and creates a work environment in which employees can feel proud to belong.
Among other key events and moments, this space will feature high-level ministerial talks, guests of honour and special networking, as well as a platform to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore new solutions for the future of the tourism sector.
With this new edition, FITUR WOMAN continues to make women visible and empower them in the tourism sector, reinforcing the commitment of the International Tourism Fair to continue building inclusive, sustainable and people-centred tourism.
Source: FITUR.