The International Tourism Fair confirms its role as a driving force for Madrid’s economy, with an economic impact of €505 million, and reaffirms its popularity, attracting over 255,000 visitors.
The International Tourism Fair, organised by IFEMA MADRID, closes its doors with positive results and reaffirms its popularity, attracting slightly more than 255,000 visitors over its five days. During the trade days, the figures from the last edition of 155,000 visitors were consolidated, with a 12% increase in international visitors, in line with the 11% growth in international exhibitors. Likewise, the general public attendance over the weekend was consolidated at 100,000 travellers.
This result reinforces the excellent participation figures, with more than 10,000 companies from 161 countries, 111 of which participated with official representation, as well as 967 main exhibitors. In addition, the economic impact of FITUR 2026 in Madrid reached £450 million, as well as supporting the maintenance of 3,753 jobs, confirming its role as one of the most important international events of the year in the region and its contribution to boosting the economy and national tourism.
FITUR thus opens 2026 confirming the excellent moment the tourism sector is experiencing. This particularly favourable context is reflected in the data for 2025, a year in which, according to UN Tourism, global international arrivals exceeded 1.5 billion, while Spain reached 97 million foreign tourists, according to data from the Ministry of Industry and Tourism.
The 46th edition opened its doors on Wednesday 21 January with a minute’s silence, highlighting the tourism sector’s solidarity with the victims of the train accidents. Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain also did so during the official opening on Thursday 22 January by signing the book of condolences located at the Andalusia stand.
Institutional support and sector confidence
The institutional relevance of FITUR 2026 was confirmed by the official opening by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain and by more than 70 institutional visits from regional presidents, ministers and deputy ministers of tourism from around the world and tourism authorities, who highlighted the strategic role of the fair as a global forum for dialogue, cooperation and international promotion of the sector.
FITUR, a commitment to knowledge and a more diverse, future-oriented offering
The outstanding turnout has resulted in intense activity in the nine pavilions, where destinations, companies and institutions from around the world have presented their latest developments, strategies and projects. Within this framework, and during the professional days, the Knowledge Pavilion was one of the main attractions of the Fair, with 8 auditoriums, 10 conference programmes, more than 200 sessions and over 250 speakers.
In addition, the different sections of FITUR have contributed to enriching and diversifying the fair’s offering. FITUR 4all has advanced the agenda for accessible and inclusive tourism; FITUR Cruises has reinforced the projection of sustainable blue tourism; the new FITUR Experience, together with FITUR Lingua and FITUR LGTB+, has revitalised segments with high growth potential. Likewise, FITUR Screen, Sports, Talent and TechY have promoted the intersection between tourism, culture, sport, talent and technology; FITUR Woman has highlighted female leadership in tourism; and FITUR Know How & Export has showcased the expertise of Spanish companies in international markets.
With this balance sheet, and with a spectacular display by Mexico as Partner Country, FITUR 2026 reaffirms its global leadership in terms of participation and visitors, its relevance for professionals in generating business opportunities and alliances, and its contribution to promoting tourism as an economic and social driver and the development of a more diverse, competitive and future-oriented offering.
IFEMA MADRID is already working on the 2027 edition of FITUR with Puerto Rico as the Partner Country.
Source: IFEMA MADRID-FITUR Press Department