Tourism News Page 79
WTTC signs MOU to formally ratify its new global office in Madrid
This agreement signals a new era for global tourism, officially confirming the relocation of WTTC’s headquarters to Madrid and establishing the city as the world capital for tourism governance.
FITUR Lingua announces a record year for language tourism in Spain, with 177,576 students in 2025
Participants in the sixth edition of FITUR Lingua, the section organized by FITUR in collaboration with FEDELE (Spanish Federation of Schools of Spanish as a Foreign Language), held today as part of the International Tourism Trade Fair at IFEMA MADRID, unveiled a preview of the findings of FEDELE’s Sector Report. According to the report, a total of 177,576 students of Spanish were enrolled in FEDELE-affiliated centers in Spain in 2025, representing a 12.77% increase compared to 2024. During the event, a range of experts also examined the role of language as a multiplier effect for tourism and as a key factor in the cultural and educational experience of destinations.
FITUR Experience Reveals Culture, History and Heritage Trips as the Most In-Demand Travel Experience
Tours focused on culture, history and heritage continue to be the leading experiences sought by people booking trips to Spain, according to experts participating today in FITUR Experience, the new section of the International Tourism Trade Fair organised in collaboration with Viator, a Tripadvisor company. The event highlighted the growing importance of experiential tourism in Spain. Speakers also noted that among the fastest-growing experiences are outdoor activities, nightlife, shopping, cultural excursions, theatre and music.
FITUR LGBT+ highlights diversity and inclusion as drivers of tourism development
The 16th edition of FITUR LGBT+, organized by FITUR in collaboration with JN Global Project, took place within the framework of the International Tourism Fair as a key professional forum showcasing inclusive destinations, initiatives and activities linked to diverse tourism. Under the slogan “Mucho más que turismo” / “Beyond Tourism”, the professional sessions underlined the role of diversity, inclusion and safety as strategic pillars of tourism promotion, as well as the institutional and business commitment to an open, responsible tourism model aligned with fundamental rights.
Puerto Rico, next partner country for FITUR 2027
Puerto Rico will take centre stage at the International Tourism Fair in 2027 as Partner Country, as announced today at the country’s stand by Daniel Martínez, Executive Vice President of IFEMA MADRID, and Jennifer González Colón, Governor of Puerto Rico. The announcement was also attended by Willianette Robles Cancel, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (CTPR), and Jorge L. Pérez, Chief Executive Officer of Discover Puerto Rico, together with Arancha Priede, IFEMA MADRID’s Managing Director of Trade Fair and Congress Business, and María Valcarce, Director of FITUR.
Elvira Dyangani Ose Appointed Artistic Director of the Second Edition of Public Art Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has appointed Elvira Dyangani Ose as Artistic Director of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial to curate its second edition which opens in the autumn of 2026 and runs into 2027. Building on the success of the inaugural edition that opened in 2024, the next edition of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, under Dyangani Ose's direction, will transform Abu Dhabi once again into an emirate-wide celebration of public art, culture and community.
Jennifer Matarangas-King Officially Sworn In as U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism
Jennifer Matarangas-King was officially sworn in as Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Tourism on Thursday, January 15, during a ceremony held at Government House on St. Croix. The ceremony was attended by Governor Albert Bryan Jr., the Matarangas-King family, colleagues, members of the Government House Cabinet, and distinguished guests, including former Commissioners Beverly Nicholson-Doty and Joseph Boschulte, as well as former Assistant Commissioner of Tourism Claire Roker, marking a meaningful moment of continuity and leadership for the Department.
The World's Best Chefs Come Together in Copenhagen
In a time where global dialogue is increasingly challenged, the culinary world stands out. The idea that sharing a culinary language connects people across continents lies at the heart of CONVERGENCE, a five-day global event in Denmark's capital, hosted by the two Michelin-star restaurant Alchemist.
A Year in Travel to the Balearic Islands
As travellers begin their holiday planning for 2026, the Balearic Islands invite the world to mark their calendars for a year of unforgettable experiences. From inspiring cultural festivals, culinary celebrations and sporting events, the Mediterranean archipelago is set to deliver a vibrant programme across all four seasons and warrant big red circles in the 2026 wall calendar. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, pristine turquoise waters and stunning natural landscapes to match, the islands provide the perfect backdrop for a host of exciting events throughout the new year.
Pinwheel nominated for The Earthshot Prize
Pinwheel has today announced that it has been nominated for The 2026 Earthshot Prize, one of the world’s most prestigious environmental awards.
Travel Answers Group and Experience AlUla Announce Exclusive Partnership to Promote AlUla
Travel Answers Group, a leading provider of independent vacation experiences, is proud to announce the launch of AlUla and other destinations across Saudi Arabia as a new destination within its Middle East portfolio, in exclusive partnership with Experience AlUla, the official destination management and experience arm of the Royal Commission for AlUla.
FITUR Sports confirms that the synergy between tourism and sports is key
The fourth edition of FITUR Sports opened yesterday as part of the International Tourism Fair, running from January 21 to 25, consolidating its position as an international meeting point for sports tourism professionals. Organized by IFEMA MADRID in collaboration with AFYDAD, the section will focus over three days on outdoor sports, competitive sports and sporting events, and Sports Business Travel, with a strong focus on the professional business.