Impact of ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona to Catalan economy surges 34% to €255 million

An Economic Impact Study conducted by the independent advisory firm Equimore has confirmed that ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona are among the biggest event-based contributors to the Barcelona and broader Catalan economy.

The data illustrated a double digit increase in the value of the economic impact, which rose 34% from the 2025 figure of €191 million to €255 million in 2026.

Equimore’s research identified visitor spend as the largest channel, generating €129 million in direct and indirect output across hotels, food and beverage, transport, shopping and leisure.

Exhibitors and sponsors contributed €86 million through stand build, marketing, hospitality and new business for Catalan companies.

WorldGaming Managing Director Stuart Hunter highlighted the scale of the injection to the Catalan economy as well as its timing.

He stated: “The economic impact was created by 734 exhibitors and a record 62,988 unique visitors, 53,924 of whom travelled to Barcelona from outside Spain, staying on average 2.7 nights.

“The overwhelmingly international, non-local audience filled Barcelona’s hotels and restaurants during what is the city’s low season. As a consequence, the visitor spend is additional and does not represent a displacement of summer visitors.

“Putting the €255 million total into context, I’m extremely proud that after just two editions at the Fira, ICE/iGB Affiliate Barcelona are already ranked alongside top global events that are hosted by the city.”