IFEMA MADRID’s economic impact has reached an all-time high, generating €5.779 billion in economic activity throughout the city and region of Madrid in 2024.
This data comes from a new socioeconomic and fiscal report conducted by PwC, highlighting the institution’s major role in driving growth, employment, and innovation in Spain’s capital.
A Key Driver of Madrid’s Economy
According to the study, IFEMA MADRID’s contribution represents 3.2% of the City of Madrid’s GDP and 2% of the Madrid Community’s GDP. This marks a 13.2% increase in wealth creation since the last recorded estimate. The organization also played a crucial role in job creation, directly or indirectly supporting 47,691 jobs—a 21.2% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels.
José Vicente de los Mozos, president of IFEMA MADRID’s Executive Committee, emphasized that the institution is committed to driving Madrid’s global visibility and future growth. Daniel Martínez, Executive Vice President, noted that for every euro generated directly by IFEMA MADRID, €25 are produced in the wider regional economy, and each direct job results in 102 jobs across various sectors.
Breaking Down the 2024 Performance
In 2024, IFEMA MADRID hosted 740 events, including trade fairs, congresses, cultural shows, and conventions. These events featured more than 34,400 exhibiting companies and drew over 4.06 million attendees. Revenue surged to €230.2 million—a 30% increase from the previous year—while net profit reached €18.6 million, marking a 166% growth. EBITDA stood at €48 million, up 76% year-over-year.
| Performance Indicator | 2024 Value | Growth vs. 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | €230.2 million | +30% |
| Net Profit | €18.6 million | +166% |
| EBITDA | €48 million | +76% |
The economic impact extends beyond event revenue. Domestic visitors contribute €809 per person, while international trade visitors generate €1,582 each. National exhibitors add €50,352 on average, compared to €73,568 for international participants. These figures reflect the powerful multiplier effect IFEMA MADRID has on regional economic activity.
Sectoral Benefits Across Madrid
The institution’s success has led to a ripple effect in key industries. The hospitality sector alone saw €1.029 billion in revenue due to IFEMA-related activity. The manufacturing industry earned €784 million, while transport and storage services generated €556 million. The retail trade followed with €461 million in benefits, collectively accounting for 43% of IFEMA MADRID’s indirect and catalytic economic contribution.
Jordi Esteve from PwC added that IFEMA MADRID’s activity makes up 2% of the region’s retail output, 18% of telecommunications output, and an impressive 23% of the vehicle manufacturing sector. These numbers position IFEMA MADRID as an essential hub in Madrid’s economic engine.
Fiscal Impact and National Significance
The fiscal return from IFEMA MADRID’s operations is also substantial. In 2024, the organization contributed €1.064 billion to public coffers through taxes and social security. That figure represents 3.9% of the entire budget of the Madrid Community. For every euro directly earned by IFEMA MADRID, €38 were returned to public administrations, reinforcing its role as a high-yield economic asset.
The study also shows that IFEMA MADRID’s employment impact is equivalent to 96% of the population of Madrid’s Barajas District and 91% of Leganés employees. The number also equates to 86% of jobs in Alcalá de Henares, 77% of Aranjuez’s population, and 70% of jobs in Getafe, demonstrating the scale of its local influence.
Madrid hosts one in five trade fairs in Spain and accounts for nearly 40% of the sector’s national turnover and employment. IFEMA MADRID’s leadership ensures that the Community of Madrid remains the most dynamic region for trade shows and cultural events, playing a pivotal role in Spain’s post-pandemic recovery and future-forward economic development.
