FITUR 2026 opened its doors in Madrid and launched the global year of tourism

FITUR 2026 officially opened its doors in Madrid from January 21 to 25 at the IFEMA Madrid exhibition center, once again solidifying its position as the most important global platform for the tourism sector. The fair brings together governments, companies, tour operators, and professionals from around the world, all seeking to generate business opportunities, forge strategic alliances, and discover the latest market trends. 

This year's edition features over 10,000 companies from 161 countries, with 111 official delegations and an increased international presence compared to previous years. The fair takes place across multiple pavilions throughout the venue, offering a diverse range of options from traditional destinations to emerging offerings and specialized niches. 

Mexico is presented as a Partner Country of FITUR 2026, with a prominent delegation showcasing the cultural, natural and gastronomic diversity of its regions, as well as the opportunities it offers for investment and global tourism promotion. 

The official opening was attended by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain, Spanish authorities, representatives of the Community of Madrid and leaders of the international tourism sector, who toured the pavilions to learn about the range of exhibitors and destinations present at the fair. 

One of the main new features of this edition is the Knowledge Pavilion, a space dedicated to innovation, debate, and knowledge transfer, which brings together conferences, panels, and sessions with more than 250 international experts. This space includes initiatives such as FITUR Experience and the First International Summit on Communication and Tourism, aimed at analyzing the challenges and opportunities of the industry. 

FITUR 2026 also highlights the growth of the Travel Technology area, where tourism technology companies present solutions focused on data, artificial intelligence, digital experiences for travelers and tools that aim to transform the operation and marketing of tourism products. 

The event is not only a meeting point for professionals and businesses, but also reaches out to the general public over the weekend with activities, workshops, and firsthand experiences from the destinations. The fair reaffirms Madrid as an epicenter of global tourism and consolidates the sector's role as an engine of economic, social, and sustainable development internationally. 

Source: IFEMA