FITUR Cruises, the dedicated cruise section of the International Tourism Trade Fair, is gearing up for its fifth edition at IFEMA MADRID from January 21 to 25, 2026. The event is poised to highlight the booming cruise holiday sector and address the industry’s responsible expansion, bringing together a diverse array of cruise lines and related businesses.
The cruise industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. In 2024, global passenger numbers hit a record 34.6 million, a 9.3% increase from the previous year. Projections for 2025 anticipate this figure will climb to 37.7 million. Looking further ahead, the global cruise market is expected to generate an impressive $18.35 billion in revenue by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.9%, according to the “State of the Cruise Industry 2025” report by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
FITUR Cruises 2026, organized in collaboration with online magazine Cruceroadicto.com, aims to capitalize on this robust growth by offering a strategic platform for connection within this dynamic and high-potential market. The upcoming event will feature a newly designed space in Hall 4, integrating the exhibition area, a central auditorium, and the Cruise Market business zone. This revamped layout will host the largest gathering of cruise lines and supporting industry companies to date.
Dual Focus: B2B and B2C Strategies for a Tailored Experience
FITUR Cruises 2026 will implement a dual strategy, catering to both industry professionals and the general public.
During the trade visitor days (Wednesday, January 21 to Friday, January 23), FITUR Cruises 2026 will serve as a crucial hub for key players driving the sector’s strong performance. An engaging conference program will aim to boost cruise sales, enhance the public image of cruises as a holiday option, and increase awareness among sales agents and travelers.
Cruise Market will be central to these efforts, facilitating meetings, collaborations, and business opportunities between cruise lines, destinations, ports, and tour operators, as well as connecting these entities with trade visitors and end consumers. Concurrently, Cruise Campus will continue its innovative format of 25-minute talks and mini-courses. These sessions will focus on practical topics like marketing for travel agents (who account for roughly half of the industry’s turnover), communication strategies, and all aspects of the travel experience.
Over the weekend, when FITUR opens its doors to the general public, the Cruises area will focus on fostering loyalty among existing cruise passengers and raising awareness about this vacation style. Travelers will have the opportunity to explore the vast diversity of cruise offerings, ranging from family-friendly options with extensive onboard entertainment to ultra-luxury cruises featuring unique amenities like helicopters and submarines. The showcase will also include premium and upper-premium cruises known for fine dining, expedition lines, river cruises, and specialized geographical cruises.
Visitors can also participate in the fifth edition of the Cruise Scavenger Hunt, a popular treasure hunt across the FITUR stands, and the engaging “Café & Cruises” meeting, where passengers can share their personal onboard experiences.
Cruceroadicto Awards: Recognizing Excellence in the Spanish-Speaking Community
On Thursday, January 22, FITUR Cruises will host the fourth annual Cruceroadicto Awards ceremony. These prestigious awards are uniquely voted on entirely by the Spanish-speaking travel community and are certified by the AENOR mark for their commitment to transparency and impartiality. The event will reveal the best ship, cruise line, and port of 2025, along with winners in various sub-categories.
