FITUR 2026 Highlights India’s Rising Tourism Power and Expanding European Ties: Know More About it

Published on December 18, 2025

India strengthens its presence at FITUR at a key moment in the preparation of the India-Spain Dual Year 2026.

Madrid, xx December 2025 – FITUR 2026, taking place from January 21 to 25 at IFEMA MADRID, will serve as a key platform for promoting the growing cultural, economic, and tourism ties between Spain and India. This event is particularly significant as it coincides with the preparations for the India-Spain Dual Year 2026, which will highlight the strengthening of bilateral relations. India’s presence at FITUR 2026 will be marked by a large institutional representation led by the Ministry of Tourism, showcasing the country’s tourism potential to a wider European audience.

According to Turespaña, the number of Indian visitors to Spain has remained stable, with 229,745 arrivals in 2024, reflecting the continued interest and consolidation of Indian tourism flows to Spain. This stable trend is coupled with an increasing interest from European tourists in exploring India’s rich heritage, diverse cultural experiences, and spiritual tourism offerings. India’s tourism sector has experienced sustained growth, driven by improved infrastructure, strategic promotional campaigns, and an expanding range of travel experiences, including wellness and cultural tourism.

With rising international arrivals and growing economic prospects, India is poised to become a major player in the global tourism market. FITUR 2026 will be a significant milestone in promoting India’s tourism and business opportunities to European markets.

India’s tourism industry is showing sustained growth driven by improved infrastructure and promotional campaigns. An ICEX study predicts that this tourism market will reach 125 MMUSD by 2027 with an increase in jobs and in the demand for spiritual tourism, wellness and cultural experiences. Annual GDP growth in the industry is expected to reach 7.1% and 30.5 million international arrivals by 2028.

In this context, India is strengthening its presence at FITUR with a large institutional representation headed by the Ministry of Tourism, which is increasing its stand space compared to 2025, together with the offices of the states of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala, and with spaces already reserved for Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. There was also a rise in the number of Indian exhibitors, with companies such as Le Passage to India, Vasco Travel, Cholan Tours and Indo Asia Tours.

The relationship between Spain and India is growing. Data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) show that the total expenditure of Indian tourists in Spain continues to be on an upward trend. Figures for January to August 2025 reflect a slight increase of 2.6% compared to the same period in 2024. And the average spend per person increased by almost 11.5% in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching 2,608 euros.

The Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism emphasizes that the initiatives planned for the India-Spain Dual Year 2026 will focus on diversifying the geographical, seasonal, and motivational factors driving tourist flows from India to Spain. This effort aims to ensure that Spain remains a top European destination for Indian travelers by expanding beyond the traditional tourist hotspots and attracting visitors from various regions of India. By diversifying the target audience, Spain seeks to enhance its appeal to a broader spectrum of Indian tourists, including those from smaller cities and emerging markets within India.

In addition to geographical diversification, the Spain-India partnership will focus on adjusting the timing of tourist visits, encouraging travel during off-peak seasons to alleviate over-tourism and spread economic benefits across the year. The ministry also plans to highlight Spain’s cultural and heritage offerings to cater to different motivational factors, from historical and cultural exploration to wellness and adventure tourism, aligning with Indian travelers’ growing preferences.

Moreover, the Dual Year will prioritize the promotion of economic, social, and environmental sustainability in tourism. This includes promoting responsible travel, reducing the environmental footprint, and supporting local communities. Spain is committed to strengthening its image as a preferred European destination in India, ensuring a long-lasting and sustainable tourism relationship between both countries.