Equimore study measures the impact on tourism, businesses and employment in the Catalan capital.
A study commissioned from independent consultancy Equimore estimates that ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona generated an overall economic impact of €255 million in 2026, taking into account direct, indirect, induced and fiscal effects across Catalonia. The study also estimates that the two trade shows supported 7,087 direct and indirect jobs.
The figure represents a 34% increase compared with the €191 million recorded for the 2025 edition, placing the two exhibitions among the events with the strongest economic impact hosted by the city in recent years.
According to Equimore’s breakdown, the largest contribution came from visitor spending, which is estimated to have generated €129 million across the hotel, restaurant, transport, retail and leisure sectors. A further €86 million was attributed to exhibitors and sponsors, covering stand construction, marketing initiatives, hospitality activities and new business opportunities for local companies.
The figures underpinning the study include 734 exhibitors and 62,988 unique visitors, a record according to the organisers. Of these, 53,924 are reported to have travelled to Barcelona from outside Spain, with an average stay of 2.7 nights. According to WorldGaming Managing Director Stuart Hunter, this is particularly significant because the events take place during a low season for tourism in the city, meaning that the influx of international visitors does not compete with Barcelona’s already established summer tourism flows.
Commenting on the findings, Hunter said: “Putting the overall €255 million figure into context, I am extremely proud that, after just two editions at Fira, ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona already rank among the leading international events hosted by the city.”
It should be noted that this assessment comes from a senior executive of the organising company rather than from a third-party source that is editorially independent, although the study itself was conducted by an external consultancy.
