The largest ever Japanese delegation will participate in FITUR 2026, aiming to promote partnerships and global expansion.

MADRID, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Japan's growing presence in the international tourism market and its close relationship with Spain will be demonstrated at the international tourism fair 'FITUR 2026', held at IFEMA Madrid from 21 to 25 January. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), the number of Spanish visitors to Japan reached approximately 182,300 in 2024, marking a 57.3% increase compared to 2023. A significant turning point was the launch of Iberia Airlines' direct Madrid-Tokyo service (three weekly flights) in October 2023.

Meanwhile, the Spanish Tourism Promotion Agency (Turespaña) announced that Spain welcomed over 410,000 Japanese tourists in 2024. This represents a 32.1% increase year-on-year, with total spending reaching €1.164 billion – a 48% rise compared to 2023. The Japanese market stands out for its exceptionally high daily travel expenditure, ranking among the top markets globally. According to Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE), the number of Japanese visitors increased by a further 8% in the second quarter of 2025.

Moreover, these awareness metrics reflect Spain's sustained rise in popularity within Japan. A YouGov survey indicates Spain ranked third in "consideration for visiting" and second in "travel intention" for 2025, showing significant growth compared to 2024. Furthermore, satisfaction among travellers who actually visited Spain rose from 58.5% to 68.3%.

Against this backdrop, FITUR 2026 saw the largest ever Japanese delegation participate. Alongside the official representatives from the Japan National Tourism Organisation and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, attendees included the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB), the JTB Group's global DMC network, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Experience, Himeji Tourism Convention Bureau, JR Tokai Hotels, JTB Global Marketing & Travel, Miki Tourist x HIS, Fujita Kanko (WHG Hotels), Sky Hop Bus Tokyo, DMC Japan by KNT, and numerous operators. Furthermore, FITUR 2026 is expected to see participation from numerous leading Spanish agents specialising in the Japanese market.

This business growth reflects the vitality of Japan's tourism market, which recorded a record high of 36.8 million international visitors in 2024, a 47.1% increase year-on-year. Consequently, FITUR 2026 will be a crucial platform for strengthening tourism collaboration between Spain and Japan and creating new opportunities for cooperation.

Media Contact:
Helena Valera
International Press
Tel.: 629 64 42 08
evalera@ifema.es

Alejandra Elorza
Chief Press
Tel.: 629 64 49 68
aelorza@ifema.es 

A new edition of FITUR, the International Tourism Fair held at the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre, which has established itself as one of the benchmarks for the tourism sector with the presence of 156 countries and an attendance of more than 250,000 people, including professionals and visitors.

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