FITUR is preparing a major edition in 2026 and is reinforcing its commitment to knowledge

FITUR is moving forward with the planning of its next edition, which will take place from January 21 to 25 at IFEMA Madrid, and will kick off the annual tourism calendar with excellent forecasts for participation and content. This event comes at a spectacular time for the sector, which, according to the latest figures published by UN Tourism, reflects a clear recovery in international tourism with a 5% increase in arrivals through September 2025 compared to 2024, reaching 1.1 billion tourists.

The 46th edition of the International Tourism Fair will be officially opened on the morning of the second professional day, Thursday, January 22, once again consolidating itself as the leading global tourism platform for the entire value chain of the industry.

In line with its commitment to sustainability and reducing the event's environmental footprint, FITUR 2026 reinforces its recommendation to use public transport, highlighting IFEMA MADRID's excellent connectivity via metro, bus and other public transport services that facilitate more efficient, comfortable and environmentally friendly mobility for visitors and professionals.

New Knowledge Pavilion: FITUR 2026's commitment to innovation

One of the major new features of FITUR 2026 is the creation of the Knowledge Pavilion, located in Hall 12 of the Exhibition Centre, which will promote a particularly dynamic and innovative edition, aligned with the challenges facing the sector. Open during the professional days—Wednesday 21, Thursday 22, and Friday 23 January—it will become the epicenter of debate and innovation on the trends shaping the future of an increasingly responsible and technologically advanced industry.

Proof of the tourism sector's commitment to innovation is the 50% growth of the travel technology area, which will bring together cutting-edge solutions from over 150 companies in more than 20 countries. In addition to the offerings from these leading companies, the Knowledge Pavilion will host forums, conferences, and highly relevant professional events from the FITUR TechY, FITUR Know-How & Export, FITUR Sports, FITUR Talent, and FITURNEXT Observatory sections, all of which play a crucial role in diversifying the tourism offering.

Representation of the entire tourism value chain

With one month to go, FITUR 2026 announces the presence of the entire tourism value chain through more than 10,000 companies, from destinations and public administrations to companies in transportation, accommodation, intermediation, technology, innovation, and specialized services. This comprehensive representation reinforces the strategic nature of the Fair as a global meeting point for the sector, fostering business generation, public-private collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

The diversity of actors present allows for a cross-cutting approach to the major challenges and opportunities of tourism, promoting a more competitive, sustainable and innovative model on an international scale.

Furthermore, on the weekend of Saturday, January 24th and Sunday, January 25th, FITUR becomes the great tourism festival and opens its doors to the general public, connecting destinations and companies with the end traveler.

With these strategic lines, FITUR 2026 is preparing for a great edition that will once again place Madrid at the center of world tourism, reaffirming its role as a benchmark platform for business, knowledge and innovation in the sector.

Source: FITUR.