#Spain #Madrid #FITUR #Tourism #IFEMA MADRID

FITUR 2026: A Major Catalyst for Global Tourism Growth

The International Tourism Fair, FITUR 2026, organized by IFEMA MADRID, has successfully concluded, reinforcing its positioning as a significant engine for the tourism industry. The event attracted over 255,000 visitors over its five-day span, marking a notable achievement for the Madrid economy, which reaped an economic impact of approximately 505 million euros.

Visitor Attendance and Economic Impact

The fair saw a consistent turnout of 155,000 visitors during its professional days, which was on par with previous editions. International visitor numbers increased by 12%, reflecting a similar growth among international exhibitors at 11%. The weekends also welcomed roughly 100,000 attendees, further solidifying FITUR's status as a magnet for global tourism enthusiasts.

With participation from over 10,000 companies from 161 countries, including 111 countries represented officially and 967 key exhibitors, the event underscored its significance in the tourism calendar. FITUR 2026 thereby reaffirmed its role as one of the most vital international gatherings of the year, supporting both economic and tourist activities in the region.

Contextualizing Tourism Growth

The opening of FITUR came amid a period of robust recovery and growth in the global tourism sector. According to UN Tourism, international tourist arrivals exceeded 1.5 billion in 2025, while Spain welcomed around 97 million visitors, as per the Ministry of Industry and Tourism. The fair commenced on January 21, 2026, with a moment of silence to honor victims of a recent railway accident, showcasing solidarity within the tourism sector.

Institutional Support

The official inauguration, graced by Their Majesties The King and Queen of Spain, along with visits from over 70 officials, including regional presidents and tourism ministers from around the world, emphasized FITUR's institutional importance. This high-level participation highlighted the fair's role as a global dialog and cooperation forum for the tourism industry, showcasing the strategic need for collaboration across borders.

Focus on Knowledge and Future Development

The overwhelming visitor turnout translated into dynamic engagement across the nine exhibition halls, showcasing destinations, companies, and institutions unveiling new products, strategies, and initiatives. The event featured a Knowledge Hub comprising eight auditoriums, ten conference programs, over 200 sessions, and 250 speakers, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the fair.

Various specialized sectors promoted diverse offerings, such as FITUR 4all, which focused on inclusive tourism; FITUR Cruises, which enhanced the profile of sustainable blue tourism; and FITUR Experience, which engaged rapidly growing segments. Initiatives like FITUR Screen, Sports, and TechY reflected the intersection of tourism with culture, sports, and technology, while FITUR Woman spotlighted female leadership in the industry, and FITUR Know-How Export represented the expertise of Spanish businesses internationally.

With these accomplishments and a vibrant presentation of Mexico as the partner country, FITUR 2026 has reaffirmed its global leadership in attendee participation and its significance for industry professionals seeking business opportunities and partnerships. The fair's efforts continue to contribute to the evolution of a more diverse, competitive, and future-oriented tourism sector.

Looking Ahead

As preparations get underway for FITUR 2027, scheduled for January 20-24 with Puerto Rico as the partner country, anticipation grows within the industry. FITUR, established in 1981, has evolved into a leading event that brings together professionals, companies, and destinations to showcase the latest trends, innovations, and business opportunities within the tourism industry, setting a global benchmark for tourism promotion.