Every January, the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) turns Madrid into a key global meeting point for the travel industry. Airlines, destinations, hotels, agencies, DMCs, and technology providers gather at IFEMA MADRID to generate business, explore trends, and strengthen relationships at one of the most important events in the travel calendar.
How is FITUR Organized?
FITUR takes place at the IFEMA MADRID exhibition center and is structured as follows:
- January 21–23: professional-only days (B2B).
- Pavilions organized by destinations, companies, and specialized areas.
- A continuous agenda of meetings, presentations, forums, and side events.
- A high volume of attendees and large exhibition spaces, making good advance planning essential.
Practical Tips to Make the Most of FITUR
Tip 1: Arrive with a Clear Agenda
FITUR is intense and time flies. Schedule meetings in advance, identify priority pavilions, and leave some room for spontaneous networking.
Tip 2: How to Get to FITUR from Madrid
- Metro: Line 8, Feria de Madrid station (direct connection).
- Taxi / Ride-hailing services: Fast and convenient, especially if you are short on time.
- Car: Easy access via the M-40 and M-11 highways (parking available).
Tip 3: How to Get There from the Airport
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is very close to IFEMA:
- Metro Line 8: Direct airport–IFEMA connection.
- Taxi: Short ride (10–15 minutes from Terminal 4).
- Ride-hailing or private transfer: A common option for international visitors and teams.
Tip 4: Where to Stay
Madrid offers many accommodation options near IFEMA, ideal for reducing commuting time during the fair.
Staying in central Madrid is also a great option thanks to the city’s excellent public transport network.
Tip 5: Make the Most of the Madrid Experience
If you’re visiting from outside the city, FITUR is a great opportunity to enjoy Madrid beyond the exhibition venue: gastronomy, culture, historic neighborhoods, and a vibrant social scene. To make this easier, we offer visitors a trip planner that allows them to organize their stay in Madrid before or after the fair.
Tip 6: Weather in Madrid During FITUR
FITUR takes place in winter, so it’s important to be prepared:
- Minimum temperatures around 0°C (32°F).
- Maximum temperatures close to 10°C (50°F).
- Occasional rain is possible.
Tip 7: What to Wear at FITUR
IFEMA is a very large venue and involves a lot of walking:
- Prioritize comfortable yet professional clothing.
- Avoid uncomfortable shoes: high heels are not the best option.
- Bring a light but warm coat, as some walking areas between halls are outdoors.
- Dressing in layers usually works very well.
Tip 8: Move Strategically Inside IFEMA
Plan your routes between halls, use maps, and estimate walking times. Good organization makes a real difference at an event of this scale.
Tip 9: Networking Doesn’t Only Happen at the Stands
Many opportunities arise during presentations, in corridors, at coffee areas, and during side events. Keep your agenda flexible and make the most of every interaction.
Tip 10: Dining Options Inside FITUR
Inside IFEMA you’ll find several food courts and cafés offering quick and good-quality options for lunches, snacks, or coffee between meetings. Options range from buffet-style or casual menus to coffee and sandwich services. However, due to the high number of attendees, queues can form during peak hours, so it’s recommended to:
- Take advantage of off-peak times (before 1:00 pm or after 3:00 pm).
- Identify nearby dining options outside the venue if you need more variety or faster service.
FITUR is a must-attend event for any travel professional, but its true value lies in how you experience it. Good planning, a well-structured agenda, and an open networking mindset turn a few intense days into real opportunities for business, learning, and inspiration both inside and outside IFEMA.
In addition, at Smartvel we have created a Madrid Trip Planner specifically designed for professionals visiting the city during FITUR. It allows you to organize your stay before or after the fair, discover plans, neighborhoods, and restaurants, and optimize your time in Madrid beyond IFEMA, all from a single tool.
