The economic impact of the Zaragoza Fair exceeds 1% of Aragon’s GDP

The Zaragoza Trade Fair reaffirms its position as one of the main economic drivers of the autonomous community, according to the latest economic impact study updated by the Zaragoza Chamber of Commerce. The report, conducted by ESIC and led by Pedro Mata, PhD in Business Economics from the University of Zaragoza, concludes that the institution’s trade fair activity generates an annual economic impact of €422.3 million, equivalent to 1.01% of Aragon’s GDP.

The study was presented this morning at the Zaragoza Chamber of Commerce. The event was attended by the Vice President of the Government of Aragon, Mar Vaquero; the President of Feria de Zaragoza, Jorge Villarroya; and Pedro Mata, PhD in Business Economics.

The Vice President of the Government of Aragon highlighted three key aspects of the Zaragoza Fair. First, she emphasized the institution’s dual impact , both economic and social, emphasizing its role in driving the economy. Second, she reiterated the regional government’s commitment to institutional support for the Zaragoza Fair and the Congress Palace, strategic infrastructures that strengthen the city’s image.

“These fairs generate great dynamism in the city, and we must strive for diversification . We’re talking, for example, about the possibility of holding concerts; we saw that this week. The infrastructure allows for this and allows the city to connect with this institution , allowing young people to become part of the fair’s visitors,” the second in command at the DGA argued.

Secondly, he reiterated the regional government’s commitment to institutional support for the Zaragoza Fair and the Congress Palace, strategic infrastructures that strengthen the city’s image. “If we want the Fair to continue growing and be a true reflection of the city’s economic dynamism , and for important events to continue being held at the Fair, we must also maintain those already there. We must continue to invest in renovating these infrastructures,” Vaquero concluded. 

Finally, he emphasized a vision for the future , emphasizing long-term planning so that “the Fair also represents the future we are projecting for Aragon, of diversification, of incorporating more and more events that reflect innovation as one of the drivers of transformation.”

Jorge Villarroya: “Trade fairs position Aragon”

The president of Feria de Zaragoza, Jorge Villarroya, highlighted the “profound and sustained impact that Feria de Zaragoza has on the Aragonese economy , consolidating its position as a structural and cross-cutting factor over time.” He also emphasized that “fairs not only boost economic activity, but also position Aragon on the international scene, attracting investment and fostering the exchange of knowledge and innovation.”

“We want to increase the versatility of the pavilions and improve their image. All of this is the work we are currently developing with the Government of Aragon , which is very interested in Feria de Zaragoza,” Villarroya asserted. 

RIGOR TO CARRY OUT THE REPORT

This update of the economic impact generated by Feria de Zaragoza uses the Input-Output methodology, recognized worldwide for its ability to analyze interdependencies between sectors. The study combines this approach with data from international, national, and regional sector studies, allowing for a more precise and contextualized estimate of the institution’s economic impact.

The impact is distributed across three levels: Direct impact : €84.8 million from visitor and exhibitor spending, as well as from the institution’s direct investment; Indirect impact : €309.7 million generated in complementary economic sectors, such as services, transport, assembly, logistics, and technology; Induced impact: €28.4 million derived from consumption generated by the nearly 1,000 full-time jobs that Feria de Zaragoza’s activities contribute to the Aragonese economy.

Furthermore, the report reflects the growing internationalization of key strategic events in their sectors at the European level, such as FIMA, SMOPYC, ENOMAQ, FIGAN, and SMAGUA, and an annual average of more than 182,000 visitors and 2,000 exhibitors, with an average stay of four days per professional participant.

ONE ENGINE FOR MULTIPLE SECTORS

The analysis highlights that the influence of Feria de Zaragoza goes far beyond the fairgrounds. Professional tourism linked to events has a direct impact on sectors such as hospitality, catering, transportation, commerce, event planning, and business services, as well as on regional employment and investment. The average daily visitor expenditure, €184.69 for national visitors and €318 for international visitors, demonstrates its economic importance for the region.

Looking ahead, the need to diversify the event offering to ensure greater economic stability throughout the year is emphasized, as is the growing role of digitalization, sustainability, and internationalization, which are already part of Feria de Zaragoza’s strategic plan.

The institution thus reaffirms its commitment to the economy, innovation, and the international reach of Aragon, positioning itself as a key ally for the competitiveness of productive sectors in Spain and Europe.