Organised in collaboration with AFYDAD, the section will structure its programme around outdoor sports, competitive sports, sporting events and Sports Business Travel, areas of growing relevance for padel and racket sports.
The fourth edition of FITUR Sports, the section dedicated to promoting sports tourism and organised by IFEMA MADRID in collaboration with SPAIN IS SPORT - AFYDAD, will present a professional programme in 2026 focused on addressing the main economic and sector challenges of sport-related tourism. The agenda will explore key topics such as destination management, technological transformation and the diversification of sports experiences, all closely linked to the international development of padel.
FITUR Sports 2026 takes place at a time of profound transformation in sports tourism, driven by growing demand for sports experiences, the consolidation of sporting events and the improvement of tourism-sport infrastructure supported by public and private investment. In this context, padel is increasingly positioned as a strategic asset for destinations and event organisers, both for its attractiveness and its rapid global expansion.
Against this backdrop of accelerated change, where knowledge, innovation and trend anticipation are decisive factors, FITUR Sports will be held from 21 to 23 January at the new Knowledge Pavilion, reinforcing its role as a strategic platform for business development and B2B engagement among sports tourism professionals.
The FITUR Sports programme will be structured around outdoor sports, competitive sports, sporting events and Sports Business Travel, one of the fastest-growing segments. The sessions will address topics such as return on investment in sports infrastructure, the application of artificial intelligence and data analysis in destination management, the evolution of racket sports, the sustainability of large sports facilities and new ways of engaging sports audiences.
The programme will also explore the role of blue sports tourism and the growing importance of nautical sports for coastal destinations, the expansion of active tourism in mountain environments, and the need to manage sports activities responsibly in protected natural areas. In addition, international trends will be analysed, with a particular focus on the development of sports and adventure tourism in emerging Latin American markets such as Mexico, Colombia and Chile.
From the Knowledge Pavilion, a new space in Hall 12 designed for innovation and the transfer of tourism know-how, FITUR Sports will promote B2B meetings and highly specialised networking. Agencies, tour operators, sports event destinations, brands, media and content creators will come together, fostering dialogue among key stakeholders in the sports ecosystem, including those linked to sports facilities, amateur tournaments, training camps and sports travel.
FITUR Sports is supported by leading public and private institutions such as the Spanish Sports Council, Turespaña, CEOE, ADESP, federations and professional associations. With this strong backing, the event will provide a comprehensive overview of the most relevant debates in the sector, positioning FITUR Sports as a must-attend meeting point for professionals involved in the development, management and innovation of sports tourism.
ENGLISH 
ESPAÑOL