On opening day, FITUR 2026 records a strong foreign attendance.
On January 21, 2026, the 46th edition of the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) opened with a high level of international participation. On its first day, over 52,000 professionals attended, with 55% of them coming from outside. The opening professional day saw an overall increase of 2.6% due to international attendance, which is indicative of the ongoing strength of the global tourist industry. According to UN tourist, there were 1.523 billion foreign visitors globally in 2025.
As participants and exhibitors paid their condolences, the opening day started with a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of the recent train disaster in Adamuz.
In addition to regular business meetings and forums, there was a consistent level of professional activity across FITUR’s nine halls, with high attendance at special sections like FITUR Talent and FITUR Woman. With platforms like FITUR Screen, FITUR Lingua, FITUR TechY, FITUR Know-how & Export, FITUR Sports, FITUR Experience, and FITURNEXT, the professional program runs through Friday. Over the weekend, consumer-focused areas like FITUR 4All, FITUR Cruises, and FITUR LGTB+ will be added.
Over 10,000 firms from 161 countries will be present at FITUR 2026, which runs until Sunday, January 25. This represents an 11% increase in international participation over the previous edition. This year, Mexico is the Partner Country, and a sizable national delegation will showcase the cultural, gastronomic, and tourism richness of its 32 states.
This year’s new highlights include the Knowledge Hub, which focusses on information sharing and industry trends, and the inaugural International Summit on Communication and Tourism, which is set for Friday, 23 January. Through participatory projects for both professionals and general tourists, the FITUR Experience area also promotes experience tourism.
The fair will be open to the general public during the weekend after being closed to trade professionals until Friday.
