The International Tourism Fair FITUR 2026 has opened its doors at IFEMA Madrid in a context of deep mourning following the tragic train accident that occurred in Adamuz, Córdoba. This edition of one of the major global tourism gatherings has been characterized by gestures of remembrance and support for the victims and their families, with a sober tone emphasizing the importance of safety and trust in traveler mobility.
Traditionally a festive inauguration marked by institutional presence, this year’s opening adapted to the situation with a solemn act centered on silence and reflection. This context has brought to the forefront discussions surrounding the reliability of transportation infrastructures, a topic already being debated among professionals in the exhibition halls. Despite the mourning overshadowing the opening, FITUR 2026 is positioned as a strategically significant event for global tourism, particularly for Spain. Organizers expect to surpass previous attendance records for both professionals and the general public, solidifying the fair’s role as the primary meeting point for the sector at the start of the year. A notable international increase is anticipated, with delegations from over 150 countries and nearly full occupancy of exhibition spaces, reinforcing FITUR’s role as a showcase for trends, innovation, and business opportunities.
The event arrives at a dynamic time for the tourism industry, following several years of recovery and sustained growth. FITUR 2026 aims to confirm the positive outlook for the sector this year, particularly focusing on market diversification, sustainability, digitalization, and the transformation of the tourism experience. Despite the circumstances, companies, destinations, and organizations maintain their commitment to the fair, aware of its value as a platform for visibility and the generation of strategic alliances.
In the upcoming days, IFEMA Madrid will host thousands of professional meetings, presentations of new products and destinations, specialized forums, and high-level gatherings, all aiming to define the roadmap for tourism in an increasingly competitive global environment. The demand for accreditations and intense activity leading up to the inauguration confirm the interest in this edition, which is set to break participation records and further position FITUR as one of the three leading tourism events globally, alongside Berlin and London.
The contrast between the contemplative atmosphere at the start of the fair and the expected dynamism in the following days highlights the unique character of FITUR 2026. The sector has chosen to maintain this key meeting, adapting it to a reality marked by tragedy while showing a blend of sensitivity and resilience. For many professionals, this inauguration also symbolizes the need to restore trust in transportation systems and to continue advancing safety standards that guarantee the mobility of millions of travelers.
Specifically, the organization has reported a total of 967 main exhibitors for this edition, a 9% increase over the previous year, and expects an economic impact in Madrid exceeding 500 million euros, approximately a 9% rise. FITUR 2026 is also progressing in its expansion process, with a 5% increase in participating companies, reaching 10,000, and a 3% rise in represented countries, totaling 111 official representations, indicating a 9% growth compared to the previous year.
In conclusion, FITUR 2026 stands out as an edition marked by a tragic event, yet it also looks firmly towards the future. A restrained opening paves the way for a decisive week for international tourism, focusing on stability, innovation, and commitment to a sector that continues to be one of the economic and social engines of Spain.
