Nearly 50 professionals from southern Gran Canaria are traveling to Madrid to try to secure a greater presence of mainland tourism in the south of the island. The start of activity at IFEMA sets the tone for the Gran Canaria economy, and this year the sector arrives with unprecedented strength. The International Tourism Fair, which opens its doors from January 21 to 25, is consolidating its position as the epicenter of the global market with an expected attendance of 155.000 professionals and the participation of 9.500 companies. For southern Gran Canaria, this event is not just another promotional event, but a strategic summit where the viability of multi-million euro investments is decided and the development model for Maspalomas Costa Canaria is redefined in the face of the challenges of the new decade.
Maspalomas' agenda in Madrid is driven by the need to increase average tourist spending. The delegation from southern Gran Canaria arrives with the goal of showcasing a destination that has successfully transitioned from mass tourism to a value-added ecosystem. Meetings in the B2B area and the Fitur Know-How & Export space will be crucial for attracting investment in the renovation of Playa del Inglés' outdated accommodation facilities, transforming former properties into premium products that meet the demands of increasingly discerning European travelers focused on sustainability and technology.
The fair's logistical setup facilitates this exchange of capital and knowledge. Professionals can access the venue with permanent passes for €53 (€70 at the box office) or day passes for €27, available through the official IFEMA website. For the general public, who can visit the pavilions on the weekend of January 24 and 25 with tickets for €14, the appeal lies in the spectacular 69.000 square meters of exhibition space and the presence of Spain's 182 Magical Towns, which this year take center stage by promoting authentic, local tourism.
Reaching the heart of this event is easy thanks to Madrid's excellent connectivity. Metro Line 8 directly connects Nuevos Ministerios with the southern entrance to the venue, while various bus lines and road access routes such as the M-11 and M-40 ensure the smooth flow of the more than 100.000 expected visitors. Inside, the focus for analysts from Gran Canaria will be on the FiturNext Observatory and the Big Data areas, critical tools for the south of the island to intelligently manage its natural resources and maintain its competitiveness against emerging destinations in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
FITUR 2026 represents a test of maturity for southern Gran Canaria. It's not just about filling hotels, but about leading the conversation on digital transformation and climate resilience in the Atlantic. The municipality's presence at high-level forums and debates aims to ensure that international capital continues to see Maspalomas as a safe haven for investment, consolidating a model where the quality of the experience and the positive impact on the local environment are the true indicators of economic success.
