The year 2024 promises to be full of exciting tourism events around the world. Whether you are a traveler looking for new experiences or a tourism professional looking to discover industry trends and innovations, these events are not to be missed. Here is our selection of the 10 best tourist events in 2024
The Rio de Janeiro Carnival is undoubtedly one of the most famous and colorful events in the world. It took place from February 9 to 14, 2024 in the city of Rio de Janeiro. This extravagant celebration, marked by spectacular samba parades, attracts millions of visitors each year. The "blocos de rua" (street blocks) see groups of drummers and dancers parading through the streets, while the Sambadrome hosts the samba school parades, where impressive floats and sparkling costumes captivate the public. It's a total immersion in Brazilian culture, where music, dance and joie de vivre take center stage.
ITB Berlin is the world's largest tourism trade fair, bringing together exhibitors and visitors from all sectors of the tourism industry. It took place from March 6 to 10, 2024 in Berlin. This event is an essential platform for trade and international partnerships. Participants have the opportunity to discover the latest trends, technological innovations and marketing strategies in tourism. In addition to conferences and workshops, ITB Berlin offers invaluable networking opportunities, making this event a must-attend event for industry professionals.
The Holi Festival, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a Hindu celebration marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring. This year it took place on March 25, 2024. Participants throw colored powders and water at each other, creating a vibrant and joyful spectacle. Holi is also a time of reconciliation, where people forget past quarrels and come together in a festive mood. In addition to colorful festivities, the celebration includes traditional songs, dances and feasts, providing a unique and immersive cultural experience for tourists.
Taking place from May 14 to 25, 2024, the Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. It attracts celebrities, filmmakers and cinema lovers from all over the world. Competition film screenings are accompanied by numerous parallel activities, such as conferences, workshops and exclusive parties. Filmmakers have the opportunity to present their works to an international audience, while industry professionals can network and explore new collaboration opportunities. For movie buffs, it's an opportunity to discover films before their worldwide release and to attend glamorous events on the Croisette.
Songkran is the Thai New Year and is celebrated with giant water fights across the country. It is a time of cleansing and renewal, when Thais and tourists join together to sprinkle water on friends, family and strangers, in a spirit of purification and celebration. Festivities also include religious processions, visits to temples to make offerings, and ceremonies to pay respect to elders. This event took place between April 13 and 15, 2024. Songkran is a unique opportunity to discover Thai culture and participate in one of the most joyful and refreshing festivals in the world.
From September 21 to October 6, 2024, the Munich Oktoberfest is the largest beer festival in the world. Millions of visitors travel to Bavaria to taste local beers, savor traditional German foods, and enjoy the rides and shows. Oktoberfest offers a unique experience with its vast beer tents, where local breweries serve their best beers accompanied by traditional Bavarian music. Visitors can also participate in games and competitions, ride roller coasters, and experience traditional costumes such as lederhosen and dirndls. It’s a must-see event for fans of beer and Bavarian culture.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, takes place on November 1, 2024. It is one of the largest Hindu festivals, celebrated with fireworks, illuminations, prayers and feasting. Houses and streets are decorated with colorful oil lamps and lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrations include religious ceremonies, the exchange of gifts, and the preparation of traditional sweet dishes. For tourists, it is an exceptional opportunity to experience a festival full of light, color and spirituality.
On August 28, 2024, Tomatina is a festival held in the town of Buñol, where thousands of participants throw ripe tomatoes at each other in a gigantic battle. This unique event is a great way to let loose and have fun in a festive and crazy atmosphere. La Tomatina begins with a race to catch a ham hanging from a soap-coated pole, followed by the tomato fight itself, which lasts about an hour. After the battle, the streets of Buñol turn into a vast field of crushed tomatoes, and participants rinse off in local pools and rivers. It is a memorable and fun experience for adventure-seeking tourists.
Towards the end of the year, from December 5 to 8, 2024, the Lyon Festival of Lights is a spectacular celebration where the city is transformed into a luminous work of art. Artists from around the world create impressive light installations, attracting millions of visitors to admire the beauty and creativity of this event. Every year, Lyon's buildings, squares and parks are illuminated with artistic projections, light sculptures and interactive light shows. The Festival of Lights pays homage to the Virgin Mary and demonstrates the gratitude of the Lyonnais for her protection. For visitors, it is a unique opportunity to see the city from an enchanting perspective and enjoy a dazzling visual experience.
The World Travel Market (WTM) in London is another major event for tourism professionals. This event taking place from November 4-6, 2024 provides a platform to discover the latest industry trends, network and close deals. WTM brings together exhibitors from more than 180 countries, providing a unique opportunity to meet representatives from various tourist destinations, travel agencies, hotels and airlines. Attendees can attend seminars, discussion panels and workshops that cover topics ranging from technological innovation to tourism marketing strategies. This is an unmissable opportunity for any company wishing to develop on the international scene and stay at the forefront of market developments.
