From the FITUR 2026 fair pavilions. Photo: PassportNews The International Tourism Trade Fair FITUR 2026 opened this morning (January 21) in Madrid in the shadow of the serious train accident that occurred in Spain a few days ago.
A minute of silence was observed at the fair's opening in memory of the victims, during which the participating companies closed their pavilions, leaving only security personnel on site. In addition, all parties and social events planned for the evening were canceled.
A black ribbon symbolizing mourning at the Spanish pavilion at the FITUR 2026 fair. Photo: PassportNewsDespite the unusually somber atmosphere, the fair kicked off as planned at the IFEMA MADRID complex and will continue until January 25, 2026. FITUR is considered one of the most important tourism events in the world and hosts professionals, decision-makers, investors and destination representatives from all over the globe every year.
The 46th FITUR exhibition marks Mexico as the exhibition's partner country for 2026. Within this framework, Mexico will present an experiential and interactive exhibition space, aimed at strengthening its position as a global tourism powerhouse while highlighting its country's cultural, natural and culinary wealth, alongside new destinations and developing itineraries.
FITUR 2026 Tourism Fair. Photo: PassportNewsThe fair will host a variety of conferences, panels, and professional meetings with key players in the global tourism industry, with an emphasis on sustainability, infrastructure, community development, and collaborations with the private sector and international investors.
A major innovation this year is the opening of Hall 12, connected to Hall 4, and dedicated entirely to innovation, digital and tourism knowledge. The new complex hosts, among others, the FITURTechY, FITUR Next, Travel Technology, Sports Tourism, Talents and Knowledge Export areas, and is designed to improve visitor flow and concentrate the fair's innovative content in one place.
FITUR 2026 Tourism Fair. Photo: PassportNewsThe FITUR Next Challenge for 2026 focuses on the tourism industry's contribution to the efficient and sustainable management of water resources, with an emphasis on tourist destinations, the hospitality and transport sectors, and the food value chain.
Plus, all of FITUR's traditional dedicated arenas will take place this year, including FITUR LGBT+, FITUR Cruises, FITUR Sports, FITUR Woman, FITUR Screen and FITUR 4all, reflecting the fair's trend of specialization and diversity and its influence on all tourism industries worldwide.
FITUR 2026 fair pavilions. Photo: PassportNews
FITUR 2026 fair pavilions. Photo: PassportNews