Participation in the largest tourism fair in Spain yields agreements, international visibility and articulations that position Maricá as a growing strategic destination
Maricá’s participation in FITUR 2026, one of the largest tourism fairs in the world, held in Madrid, Spain, was marked by important results and advances for the future of the municipality. Throughout the days dedicated to professionals in the sector, the city strengthened its international projection, established strategic partnerships and presented structuring projects aimed at tourist infrastructure, culture and sustainable economic development.
During the fair, Maricá’s stand received a visit from the Minister of Tourism, Gustavo Feliciano, and the president of Embratur, Marcelo Freixo. Both were able to see up close the initiatives developed by the municipality to promote the city as a tourist destination.
Among the main highlights of FITUR is the signing of the agreement related to the Maraey Complex, considered one of the largest tourism projects in Latin America. The project represents a milestone for the generation of jobs, attraction of investments and will have professionals qualified by the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, following an agreement also made official at the event.
Mayor Washington Quaquá highlighted the direct impact of the agendas fulfilled during the fair. “Our participation in FITUR was very important for Maricá. We signed a partnership with the Maraey Complex, the largest tourist project in Latin America, and with the University of Lausanne, in addition to moving forward in attracting investments that will generate jobs and development for the city”, he stated.
The president of MARÉ (Maricá, Arte, Routes and Experiences), Antonio Grassi, positively evaluated the city’s presence at the fair. “The balance of Maricá’s participation in FITUR is very positive. The fair strengthens our international image and expands the scope of the calendar of events and cultural and tourist projects in the municipality”, he said.
Maricá’s Secretary of Tourism, José Alexandre, believes that participating in another edition of the fair expands the dialogue of Marica in the international market. “Being at FITUR again is essential to consolidate Maricá as a growing tourist destination, expanding our dialogue with the international market and presenting the city’s potential for new investments”, he highlighted.
Partnerships between Maricá and Cuba
On the first day of FITUR, Mayor Washington Quaquá met with Cuba’s Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, to discuss partnerships between Maricá and Cuba, with the aim of strengthening tourism and culture. Among the topics covered was the proposal to allow Companhia Maricá Alimentos (AMAR) to sell its products in Cuban hotels, promoting Maricaense products internationally.
The president of AMAR, Marlos Costa, highlighted that the company is experiencing a moment of growth and projection. “Companhia Maricá Alimentos is in the process of structuring and expanding production, at the same time as it is looking for new markets. This movement takes place at a time when Brazil is in great prominence in international tourism, which opens up important opportunities to take our products to other countries”, he highlighted.
Maricá as an investment destination
Maricá’s international agenda at FITUR also included institutional meetings with the Brazilian ambassador to Spain, Luiz Alberto Figueiredo, at a reception held at the invitation of the ambassador to the Minister of Tourism, Gustavo Feliciano. Within this program, Maricá was presented as a strategic destination for investments, international cooperation and sustainable tourism development.
FITUR 2026 ended its first three days with exclusive access to professionals in the sector and, this weekend, it also opens its doors to the general public, welcoming travelers interested in tourist destinations around the world. With the participation of 161 countries, 111 of which have official representation, the fair expands the scope of the actions promoted by Maricá, which aims to position itself as a rising destination on the international tourism scene.
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2026/01/26/marica-cidade-do-rio-amplia-presenca-global-em-2026/
