India Strengthens Tourism Ties at FITUR 2026 With Key Opportunities for Spain, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu Revealed

Published on December 18, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

The global tourism spotlight will turn to India at FITUR 2026, as the country strengthens its presence at the renowned international travel trade fair. The India-Spain Dual Year 2026 serves as a perfect backdrop for the country’s tourism industry, which has been showing sustained growth. With the Ministry of Tourism leading a large institutional delegation, the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana are all enhancing their presence at FITUR this year. Additionally, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have already reserved spaces, marking a significant push to increase visibility and business opportunities for India’s diverse tourism offerings.

As India prepares for its pivotal role in FITUR 2026, a fair that will also promote the growing connection between India and Spain, the country’s tourism growth is at a historic high. With projections showing continued expansion in spiritual tourism, wellness travel, and cultural tourism, India is positioning itself as a key player in the global tourism market.

Why is India Focusing on FITUR 2026?

India’s tourism industry has been booming in recent years, driven by significant improvements in infrastructure and high-impact promotional campaigns. A recent ICEX study predicts that by 2027, India’s tourism market will reach 125 million USD, with a projected annual growth rate of 7.1%. The number of international arrivals is expected to grow to 30.5 million by 2028, marking India as an increasingly attractive destination for global travelers.

As part of this momentum, India’s participation in FITUR 2026 is not only about showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage and landscapes but also about fostering business collaborations with European markets, especially Spain. FITUR offers a unique platform to establish closer ties, attract investment, and promote sustainable tourism practices across India’s states, especially those like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan, known for their cultural depth and unique tourism offerings.

What is India Bringing to FITUR 2026?

India’s participation at FITUR 2026 will see a substantial increase in stand space compared to 2025, with the Ministry of Tourism spearheading the country’s representation. In addition to showcasing India’s cultural and spiritual tourism offerings, Indian exhibitors from major travel companies such as Le Passage to India, Vasco Travel, Cholan Tours, and Indo Asia Tours are set to attend, providing business and networking opportunities for travel professionals across the globe.

Key states like Kerala, famous for its backwaters, Ayurveda, and cultural heritage, and Tamil Nadu, known for its temple tourism and historic sites, will highlight the diversity and richness of India’s tourism potential. Rajasthan, with its palaces and desert landscapes, and Uttar Pradesh, home to the Taj Mahal, are also set to strengthen their promotional presence, contributing to India’s comprehensive strategy at the fair.

Growing Tourism Ties Between India and Spain

The growing relationship between India and Spain has been reflected in tourism statistics, with Indian tourists spending an increasing amount in Spain. Data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) of Spain shows that Indian tourist expenditure in Spain has continued to rise, with a 2.6% increase in total spending between January and August 2025, compared to the previous year. Additionally, the average spend per Indian visitor reached nearly €2,608 in 2024, marking a 11.5% increase from the year prior.

This upward trend reflects Spain’s increasing popularity as a European destination for Indian travelers, especially in the context of growing interest in cultural exchanges and the accessibility of Spain as a prime tourist destination for long-haul flights. The India-Spain Dual Year 2026 will be a pivotal moment for both nations to strengthen their tourism ties, focusing on seasonal diversification and motivational tourism, which could see a rise in the number of Indian visitors traveling to Spain for cultural, wellness, and spiritual reasons.

What to Expect From the India-Spain Dual Year 2026

The India-Spain Dual Year 2026 will be a focal point for joint initiatives aimed at promoting both cultural exchange and tourism collaboration between the two nations. Spain’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism has outlined a clear commitment to enhancing the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of tourism between India and Spain. This initiative will focus on diversifying tourist flows, targeting different regions and demographics, and showcasing Spain as a preferred destination for Indian travelers.

The objective is not only to highlight Spain’s cultural and architectural heritage but also to promote Spain’s image as an eco-friendly, sustainable travel destination. With this emphasis, the India-Spain Dual Year 2026 seeks to bring new levels of collaboration to the tourism industry in both countries, aligning with global sustainability efforts while also boosting visitor numbers and spending.

India’s Tourism Growth: Opportunities for All

India’s sustained growth in the tourism sector offers significant opportunities for both domestic and international stakeholders. From wellness tourism in Kerala to spiritual tourism in Madhya Pradesh, and adventure tourism in the Himalayan states, India is diversifying its tourism offerings to appeal to a wide array of global travelers. This multi-faceted growth, driven by improved infrastructure, will help India maintain its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets, especially in Europe.

At FITUR 2026, India is set to showcase its vibrant tourism scene to the world, highlighting its cultural, spiritual, and wellness tourism potential, while also inviting European businesses to explore opportunities in India’s expanding tourism industry.

A Pivotal Moment for India-Spain Tourism Relations

As India strengthens its presence at FITUR 2026, the India-Spain Dual Year 2026 offers a unique opportunity to enhance tourism collaboration between the two countries. With increased visibility at international tourism trade events, India is positioning itself to further solidify its tourism relations with Spain and other European nations, fostering business opportunities and cultural exchanges that will benefit both nations in the years to come. The future looks promising as India’s tourism sector continues to grow, bringing cultural richness, spiritual experiences, and wellness tourism to a global audience.