International participation drives the number of visits to FITUR 2026
The International Tourism Fair registers 52,000 professionals on its first day, 55% of whom are international
International visitors boosted attendance at the first professional day of FITUR 2026, which saw a 2.6% increase overall. The 46th edition surpassed 52,000 professionals yesterday, 55% of whom were international, reflecting the dynamism and potential of the tourism sector, which, according to UN Tourism data, reached 1.523 billion tourists worldwide in 2025.
The 46th edition of FITUR began yesterday with a minute of silence to convey, on behalf of all participants in the International Tourism Fair, our condolences to the victims of the railway accidents.
The first day saw a remarkable reception for the scheduled professional activities, both in the FITUR Talent and Woman sections, and at the stands in the nine pavilions of the Exhibition Centre. The professional sessions continue today and tomorrow with activities at FITUR Screen, Lingua, TechY, KnowHow & Export, Sports, Experience, and FITURNEXT, and also over the weekend with 4All, Cruises, and LGBT+.
Furthermore, the measures to diversify access points, the installation of fast track, and the reinforcement of Line 8 of the Madrid Metro ensured that both entry and exit to the fair proceeded smoothly, as reported by visitors and exhibitors.
FITUR 2026, running until Sunday, January 25, brings together the offerings of more than 10,000 companies from 161 countries, representing an 11% increase in international participation compared to last year. Mexico stands out as a Partner Country, participating with a large delegation to showcase the cultural, gastronomic, and tourist diversity of its 32 states.
Among the new features of this edition, the Knowledge Pavilion has been inaugurated, conceived as a strategic space to discuss and share trends during the opening days for professionals in the sector; the 1st International Summit on Communication and Tourism, which will address the current challenges of the sector tomorrow, Friday, January 23; and the FITUR Experience section, dedicated to experiential tourism, which complements the offer with interactive proposals designed for both professionals and the general public over the weekend.
FITUR 2026 remains open to tourism professionals until tomorrow, Friday, January 23, and during the weekend, it will open to the general public, presenting the richness of global tourism to travelers.
Source: FITUR.