FITUR Lingua 2025, organized by FITUR in collaboration with FEDELE (the Spanish Federation of Schools of Spanish as a Foreign Language), has spotlighted Spain’s prominence as a global leader in language tourism. Held at IFEMA Madrid under the theme “Language as a Tourism Asset: Challenges and Trends,” the event featured presentations, panel discussions, and reports emphasizing the sector’s growing economic and educational significance.

Economic Milestones and Student Numbers
The event highlighted the findings of a 2023 study by Spain Education Programs, ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones, and EDUESPAÑA. Over 600,000 international students pursued educational programs in Spain, generating an economic impact of more than €6 billion. Additionally, federated Spanish language schools hosted 158,800 students in 2024, marking an 11.42% increase from the previous year and contributing €454 million to the economy.

David Trigo, FEDELE’s General Manager, noted that 2024 was a record-breaking year, underscoring FITUR Lingua’s role in boosting language tourism. According to Daniel Escalona, FEDELE’s Marketing Director, most students came from Germany, Italy, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom, with an average stay of 3.97 weeks.

Strategic Initiatives and Insights
FEDELE President Eva Laguna emphasized the critical role of teachers and robust research in advancing language tourism. Panel discussions explored topics such as improving data collection, leveraging big data, and understanding diverse student behaviors. Experts also highlighted the importance of digital platforms for student engagement and collaboration across institutions.

Launch of the Fourth Spanish Language Week
FITUR Lingua 2025 announced the Fourth Spanish Language Week, scheduled from October 1–5, 2025, in Logroño and San Millán de la Cogolla. This event, supported by the Government of La Rioja and other stakeholders, aims to celebrate Spanish as a global language while enhancing visitors’ cultural and linguistic experiences in a scenic and wine-rich region.

Global Collaboration and Best Practices
The event also explored successful examples of language tourism in other languages, including French, German, and English. Panels discussed how destinations with established educational programs could attract more students through tailored tourism services. Elena Fernández moderated discussions on improving student experiences with contributions from international organizations like SIC and ELEUK.

Networking and Opportunities for Growth
A dedicated networking area allowed FEDELE-affiliated schools to engage with professionals from tourism and education sectors, fostering collaboration and growth. Experts such as Francisco Gutiérrez and Guillermo Escribano highlighted untapped opportunities in language tourism, stressing its strategic importance in global education.

Future of Language Tourism
FITUR Lingua 2025 not only celebrated Spain’s success in the sector but also identified challenges and opportunities for further development. With its robust infrastructure, cultural richness, and growing global reputation, Spain continues to be a premier destination for international students seeking to learn Spanish and immerse themselves in its heritage.