Madrid, Puerto Rico, and Tourism: The FITUR Woman 2026 Event Shines a Spotlight on Female Leadership and Economic Growth

Published on December 5, 2025

As part of the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR), FITUR Woman 2026 will be a key event highlighting the role of women’s leadership in the tourism industry. Organized by FITUR in collaboration with Women Leading Tourism (WLT) and supported by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the event will take place from 21-25 January 2026 at IFEMA MADRID. It will focus on the theme of investment and economic empowerment as critical drivers of inclusive growth and female leadership in the tourism sector.

The Focus of FITUR Woman 2026

FITUR Woman has grown in prominence, becoming a significant platform to promote gender equality, leadership, and economic opportunities for women within tourism. This year’s event will center around how economic empowerment can drive the sustainable development of the tourism industry and promote female leadership. The discussions will address key issues such as investment in women’s leadership, financial inclusion, access to education and resources, and the impact of gender inequalities in the workplace.

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company, participating as a key supporter, exemplifies how public policy can promote women’s leadership in tourism. By supporting initiatives that encourage female entrepreneurship and inclusive development, Puerto Rico will highlight its commitment to a sustainable tourism economy that benefits women both socially and economically.

Program Highlights: Addressing Challenges and Finding Solutions

The FITUR Woman 2026 program will span an entire day, filled with thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and a highly anticipated awards ceremony recognizing the most inspiring initiatives within the tourism industry.

Block One: Tourism as an Engine of Empowerment

This session will explore the importance of financial inclusion, education, and skills training to increase job opportunities and promote female entrepreneurship. It will also touch on policies that support work-life balance and encourage more women to take up leadership roles within the tourism sector. Experts will discuss how the tourism industry can serve as a platform for empowering women, offering valuable resources and tools for success.

Block Two: Overcoming Challenges in the Tourism Industry

The second session will tackle the ongoing barriers to equality within the tourism industry, such as the gender pay gap, job insecurity, and the lack of female representation in decision-making roles. In addition, the impact of global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crises, will be discussed in terms of their effects on women’s employment and participation in the workforce.

Block Three: Optimizing Impact: The Benefits of Economic Empowerment

The final block will highlight best practices from around the world, showcasing policies and strategies that demonstrate the positive impact of female leadership on tourism competitiveness and sustainability. Experts will emphasize the importance of investing in training, innovation, and technology to close the skills gap and help women excel in the tourism sector.

FITUR Woman 2026: A Game-Changer for Tourism

FITUR Woman has established itself as an essential part of the International Tourism Trade Fair, which will attract thousands of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from around the globe. The event aims to drive social and economic transformation by focusing on the role of women in shaping the future of global tourism. As tourism continues to evolve, these conversations are critical for ensuring sustainable growth and promoting inclusive development across the industry.

For business travelers and entrepreneurs, FITUR Woman offers valuable networking opportunities and a chance to engage in discussions about the future of tourism. As the event is part of the larger FITUR conference, it will also feature a wide range of industry exhibitors, cultural events, and opportunities for collaboration, making it an important stop for anyone involved in global tourism.

Impact on Business Travel and Tourism

FITUR Woman’s focus on empowering women through investment and leadership is expected to have a significant impact on business tourism. As more women take on leadership roles in the industry, business travelers will benefit from more diverse perspectives and inclusive leadership in key destinations. Additionally, the conversations surrounding sustainable tourism will impact travelers seeking destinations with a focus on gender equality and empowerment.

For tourists, FITUR Woman presents an opportunity to explore destinations that are committed to promoting women’s leadership and sustainability in tourism. This includes destinations like Puerto Rico, which actively supports female-led initiatives and entrepreneurship within the tourism sector.

Quick Tips for Attendees of FITUR Woman 2026

1. Book Your Tickets Early: As FITUR is one of the largest tourism trade fairs in Europe, securing your tickets in advance is essential. This will allow you to attend the key sessions and engage with industry leaders.
2. Plan Networking Opportunities: FITUR Woman offers a fantastic opportunity for business travelers to meet entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry professionals. Don’t miss out on scheduled networking events.
3. Stay Informed on Gender Equality Issues: If you are a tourist looking to travel to destinations with a strong focus on women’s empowerment, keep an eye on discussions at FITUR Woman that will highlight top destinations leading in this field.
4. Engage with Sponsors and Exhibitors: Visit the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and other sponsors at the event to learn about their initiatives promoting female leadership in tourism.
5. Prepare for All Themes: The program will cover investment, empowerment, and sustainability. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about how these areas intersect with the future of global tourism.

Key Takeaways

• FITUR Woman 2026 is a pivotal event that will showcase the role of women in tourism, focusing on economic empowerment, leadership, and sustainability.
• Puerto Rico will play a significant role in promoting female leadership in tourism, serving as an example for other destinations.
• The event will address the barriers women face in the tourism sector and offer solutions to overcome them, including financial inclusion, education, and access to resources.
• Business travelers and entrepreneurs should take advantage of networking and global investment opportunities at FITUR Woman.
• Tourists interested in supporting destinations that value gender equality will find a wealth of information at FITUR Woman 2026.