Spain presents Tourism 2030 Strategy at FITUR and strengthens global tourism governance - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism has used the 46th edition of FITUR to set key directions for the future of tourism policy. Led by Minister Jordi Hereu and Secretary of State for Tourism Rosario Sánchez Grau, the Ministry presented the Tourism Spain 2030 Strategy, announced concrete sector initiatives and reinforced Spain’s role as a global centre for tourism governance.

FITUR 2026 as a signal of resilience and professionalism

This year’s FITUR took place against the backdrop of the train accidents in Adamuz and Gelida. Minister Hereu underlined that the fair nevertheless demonstrated the sector’s ability to respond with responsibility and solidarity. “I would like to congratulate IFEMA, the public authorities and the companies present for the example they have offered the world of solidarity and professionalism in the wake of a tragedy that has shocked the country,” said Hereu.

Looking back at 2025, the Minister recalled another exceptional year for Spanish tourism, marked by record levels of international visitors and spending. Against this backdrop, he highlighted the implementation of the Tourism Spain 2030 Strategy, approved last year, which positions Spain as a global reference in public policies aimed at strengthening the sector’s economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Parador de Ibiza and renewed social dialogue

Within the framework of FITUR, the Ministry announced that the Parador de Ibiza will officially open on 23 February. The new opening forms part of the broader objective of enhancing tourism quality and reinforcing its social and cultural value.

FITUR also provided the setting for the formal launch of renewed social dialogue in the hospitality sector. At the Turespaña stand, with the presence of the Minister, unions and employers signed the agreement marking the start of structured dialogue, aimed at addressing working conditions and the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Turespaña stand highlights global trends for 2026

Throughout the fair, the Turespaña stand served as a focal point for presentations expected to shape tourism in 2026 and beyond. Among them was the presentation of the so-called “trio of eclipses”, an extraordinary astronomical phenomenon visible from Spain this year and over the next two years. According to Hereu, the event “combines science, education, social innovation and responsible tourism”.

The stand also hosted the official presentation of the new Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Shaikha Al Nowais, who took office at the beginning of January. Her mandate aims to guide the organisation towards a more cooperative, inclusive and sustainable approach. With UN Tourism headquartered in Madrid, the presentation further reinforced Spain’s central role in international tourism governance.

Madrid confirmed as a global tourism hub

One of the most significant outcomes of FITUR was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, Madrid City Council and the World Travel & Tourism Council. The agreement confirms the relocation of WTTC’s global headquarters to Madrid.

Minister Hereu described the agreement as the result of months of close cooperation between the Spanish Government and WTTC and as a move that “reinforces Spain’s leadership position as a global tourism powerhouse”. With UN Tourism already based in Madrid for more than four decades, the city consolidates its role as an international hub for both public and private tourism governance and for the sustainable transformation of the sector.

Tourism diplomacy and international cooperation

FITUR once again proved to be a key platform for tourism diplomacy. The Ministry held close to ten bilateral meetings with official delegations, either chaired by the Minister or by Secretary of State Rosario Sánchez Grau. Among the most significant was the meeting with UK Tourism Secretary Stephanie Peacock, reflecting the importance of the United Kingdom as a core source market for Spain.

Further high-level meetings took place with Portugal’s Minister for Territorial Cohesion Manuel Castro Almeida, as well as with delegations from India, Cape Verde, Brazil and Albania. In parallel, the Minister and Secretary of State met representatives from several Spanish autonomous communities, including Catalonia, Castilla-La Mancha, Navarre, Extremadura and Asturias.

In his final assessment, Jordi Hereu stressed the importance of these exchanges for strengthening cooperation at both national and international level and for sharing tourism policies and experiences with established and emerging markets alike. He emphasised that such dialogue is essential to ensure continued growth while advancing the transformation of Spain’s tourism model.

Image Credit: © Ministry of Industry and Tourism