Tourism EventsGuides

Must-Visit European Travel Expos & Tourism Conferences in 2026

Image: PixMeta

Travel exhibitions and conferences in European countries for travelers and tourism professionals.

Sitting with another cup of coffee and scrolling through the 2025 travel numbers, one thing becomes obvious pretty quickly. The industry is back. Not just stable, but in many cases doing better than it did in 2019. A lot is going on globally, but that’s a much bigger conversation. So let’s focus on Europe. It’s where travel trade shows, conferences, and industry events continue to act as the real pulse of tourism.

We’ve already talked about many of these events before in this article. A few were so in demand that we couldn’t ignore their 2026 editions this time around. If you’ve been to any of them, you probably know why. And if you have stories, we’d love to hear them.

Before moving to the 2026 shortlist, let’s pause on 2025 for a moment. Just the numbers. Because they tell the story without the hype. In the latest industry deep dive, Europe accounted for 54% of all international arrivals, according to UN Tourism. The region welcomed 2.5 billion passengers, up 3.6% year over year. And when you look at the world’s top 20 travel destinations in 2025, half of them were European.

That context matters. It explains why so much of the industry’s energy, innovation, and conversation continues to flow through Europe. And the upcoming trade shows deliver this energy to consumers. 

See another big story on tourism industry:
How is going there in Aviation Industry?

Why Participate in Tourism Expos and Conferences?

From a business standpoint, these events are networking goldmines. They have proven to create better conversion pipelines than any other marketing campaign because trade shows are about communication. Businesses present their brands, but they also show people behind the brand. Tourism conferences put small businesses and startups in rooms with DMOs, hotel groups, airlines, and tech innovators who are actively looking for collaborators and fresh voices. You get early access to destination launches, insider knowledge on industry shifts, and partnerships that can fund your next six months of travel. I think the answer to the question is quite obvious. 

As for travelers, they have absolutely different motives when choosing such trade shows. Of course, no one is expecting you to book a flight only to take part in a fair. A visit to an expo becomes an add-on to your trip, a pretty interesting add-on that may give you ideas for new trips, hot deals, discounts, and of course, new connections. 

Now let’s dive into what 2026 has in store. 

January

Vakantiebeurs 2026

Where: Utrecht, Netherlands
When: January 8-11, 2026
Official website: https://www.vakantiebeurs.nl/

Vakantiebeurs (Holiday Fair) is a true travel fest with exotic destinations, world flavors, travel stories, and unique experiences. The Netherlands’ massive consumer travel fair runs for 4 days and attracts around 130,000 visitors with approximately 1,000 exhibitors. The exhibition halls will be filled with bright colors and catchy banners inviting you to check the hot deals for your next trip.

Major Highlights:

  • Rodeo Challenge and Holiday Maze events
  • South African wines, samosas, and French cheese tasting
  • Active holidays and sports tourism section
  • Sustainable tourism pavilion reflecting environmental consciousness
  • Travel photography competition and exhibitions
  • Daily stage shows featuring destination entertainment like African drums, Caribbean dancers, and Chinese dragons

Holiday World Show Belfast 2026

Where: Waterfront @ ICC Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
When: January 9-11, 2026
Official website: https://holidayworldshowni.com/

Northern Ireland’s largest holiday show has become its largest and most visited public exhibition, with around 20,000 visitors and 200 exhibitors. While smaller than the mainland UK shows, it still provides access to the Northern Irish market and showcases Irish destinations in a new way.

Major Highlights:

  • Cruise travel section
  • Free to enter prize holiday draws
  • Hot deals and tips on where to travel and pay less
  • Travel advice seminars

Destinations The Holiday & Travel Show Manchester 2026

Where: Manchester Central, London, United Kingdom
When: January 15-18, 2026
Registration: https://www.destinationsshow.com/manchester

Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show is a true adventure through the most exciting corners of our planet. As one of the UK’s largest consumer travel shows, it gathers around 200 travel brands, 35,000 visitors, and 500 exhibitors under its roof. The four-day format allows thorough exploration, face-to-face meetings with industry-leading brands, and over 40 tourist boards. 

The most crowded state is going to the Food & Travel Stage with global flavors cooked up on the spot. No less exciting will be the Wanderlust Visions Gallery showcasing the year’s best travel photos and videos. By the way, this is the UK’s longest-running travel photography competition. 

Major Highlights:

  • Travel seminars from industry experts and travel influencers
  • Special interest travel zones, including adventure, cruise, and luxury
  • On-stage entertainment featuring destination cultures
  • Destinations Canada and USA pavilions
  • Meet-the-expert sessions for travel planning advice

Ferien-Messe Wien 2026

Where: VIECON Trade Fair Vienna, Vienna, Austria
When: January 15-18, 2026
Official website: https://ferien-messe.at/

Vienna’s holiday fair attracts around 100,000 visitors (71,000 in 2025) and over 430 exhibitors annually, making it Austria’s largest tourism consumer event. For visitors, this is a great chance to explore new destinations and get exclusive offers from tour operators. After all, travel shows are all about exclusive deals and travel tips. 

The highlight of the 2026 Fieren-Messe is VIENNA DRIVE, Mobility Days with a dedicated hall for displaying 250 vehicles. Another stage will attract you with its flavors. “Taste the World” is the motto of the Flavors Stage, showcasing regional and international tastes. 

Major Highlights:

  • Caravan and camping dedicated hall
  • Active holidays and sports tourism section
  • Culinary travel experiences area
  • Travel cinema with a big screen
  • Daily stage shows and cultural performances

MATKA Travel Fair 2026

Where: Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, Finland
When: January 16-18, 2026
Official website:https://matka.messukeskus.com/en/at-the-event

Vienna’s holiday fair attracts around 100,000 visitors (71,000 in 2025) and over 430 exhibitors annually, making it Austria’s largest tourism consumer event. For visitors, this is a great chance to explore new destinations and get exclusive offers from tour operators. After all, travel shows are all about exclusive deals and travel tips. 

CMT 2026

Where: Messe Stuttgart, Germany
When: January 17-25, 2026
Official website: https://www.messe-stuttgart.de/cmt

CMT (Caravan, Motor, Touristik) is the world’s largest public tourism fair with around 2,000 exhibitors and 270,000 visitors. Every exhibitor’s booth is a separate entertainment. Running for nine days, the event gives visitors plenty of time to explore new destinations and traditional folklore. 

Major Highlights:

  • The Grand Tour de Catalunya as a partner region
  • Massive caravan and motorhome exhibition area
  • Cycling and bike tourism dedicated hall
  • Golf travel section
  • Cruise tourism pavilion
  • On-site camping and outdoor activities
  • Daily stage shows featuring travel destinations

FITUR Madrid

Where: IFEMA MADRID, Madrid, Spain
When: January 21-25, 2026
Official website: https://www.ifema.es/en/fitur/tickets

FITUR opens the European travel and tourism trade show season and sets the tone for the year. Last year, the event hosted 9,500 exhibitors from 156 countries with over 250,000 total attendees. In 2026, the partner country of FITUR is Mexico, and the event will be mainly focused on Latin American destinations, promoting their travel potential.

The center of the trade show will be 2026 Novelties in Hall 12, presenting innovation and trends, hosting debates and conferences.

Major Highlights:

  • FITUR KNOW-HOW & EXPORT program connecting international buyers with Spanish tourism products
  • FITUR TECH showcasing travel technology innovations
  • FITUR WELLNESS, dedicated to health and wellness tourism

HOTCO – Hotel Investment Conference CEE

  • Where: Imperial Riding School, Vienna, Austria;
  • When: January 26–27, 2026
  • Official Website: https://hotconf.com

HOTCO has already become a premier international hotel investment conference focusing on development hotspots in Central and Eastern Europe, new brands, concepts, success stories, and new investment opportunities. The 2025 theme is “How to Make Money in the Hotel Industry – Blueprint for 2030!”

Since its inception, HOTCO has attracted over 2,200 delegates from 38 countries, hosted over 40 industry leaders, and featured 350 speakers from four continents.

FESPO Zurich 2026

Where: MCH Messe Schweiz, Zürich, Switzerland
When: January 29-February 1, 2026
Official website: https://fespo.ch/users/en

The whole world in one place; this is what FESPO offers visitors. And it is true. Switzerland’s leading holiday and travel show attracts around 90,000 visitors and 700 exhibitors. For 2026, they will have five themed halls with different destinations across the world for unique travel experiences. The show will co-host Golfmesse 2025 expo, inviting guests to engage with the Swiss golf community, check out the newest golf equipment, and participate in expert-led presentations. FESPO has a particularly strong focus on active holidays, mountain tourism, and sustainable travel options.

Major Highlights:

  • Hiking and adventure tourism dedicated zones
  • Travel photography exhibitions
  • Evening entertainment featuring destination-themed cultural performances

Salon du TouRisme et des Activités Nature 2026

Where: Lille Grand Palais, Lille, France
When: January 30-February 1, 2026
Official website: https://www.salons-du-tourisme.com/fr-FR/lille

This regional French tourism and outdoor activities show opens its doors to a world of discovery, focused on nature-based tourism, hiking, cycling, and outdoor recreation. While smaller than national shows, regional events often provide closer networking opportunities with local operators and destination managers. As a visitor or an industry brand participant, you will have enough time to communicate with experts and bloggers for personalized advice and exclusive travel discounts. 

Major Highlights:

  • Hiking and trekking equipment and destinations
  • Hotels and glamping, river and sea cruises
  • European outdoor escape
  • Nature photography workshops
  • Entertainment shows throughout the exhibition days
  • Local French destination presentations

ADVENTUR 2025 – Lithuania’s Premier Tourism and Active Leisure Exhibition

Adventur 2026 is a tourism exhibition in Lithuania that incorporates culinary elements alongside travel offerings. The event features international and Lithuanian food traditions, destinations, and cultural experiences.

The exhibition is open to travel agencies, regional tourism boards, municipalities, hotels, amusement parks, spa centers, leisure services, and gastronomy businesses. Attendees include travelers and those planning future trips.

February

EMITT East Mediterranean International Tourism & Travel Exhibition

  • Where: Istanbul Expo Center, Istanbul, Türkiye;
  • When: February 5–7, 2026
  • Website: https://emittistanbul.com/en/about-emitt

EMITT, a tourism sector exhibition that has been operating for over 28 years, will hold its 29th edition in 2026. The event serves as a meeting point for industry participants and facilitates business connections within the tourism sector. Thousands of industry experts, exhibitors, and tourists from around the world.
Discover country pavilions, explore destinations for summer and winter tourism, and connect with key players in the travel industry.

REISEN & CARAVANING Hamburg 2026

Where: Messepiazza, Stuttgart, Germany
When: February 5-8, 2026
Official website: https://www.messe-stuttgart.de/reisenhamburg/en/fair/at-a-glance/

Hamburg’s travel and caravaning fair brings together around 800 exhibitors and 80,000 visitors over four days. As Northern Germany’s major consumer travel event, it provides access to this exciting market of experience and emotions and showcases destinations particularly interesting to German travelers. The caravaning section has grown significantly in recent years as van life and mobile tourism are gaining popularity.

One of the highlights of the fair is the GenussReise fair with local and international delicacies. The hall will also organize presentations, hands-on activities, and shows that set the mood to further explore the expo. 

Major Highlights:

  • Extensive caravan and motorhome exhibition hall
  • Cycling and bike tourism dedicated area
  • Water sports and sailing destinations
  • Camping equipment and outdoor gear
  • Travel photography exhibitions and workshops
  • Daily stage shows featuring destination entertainment

f.re.e 2026 – Travel and Leisure Fair

Where: Munich, Germany
When: February 18-22, 2026
Official website: https://free-muenchen.de/en/trade-fair/

Munich’s travel and leisure fair is another wonderful opportunity for travel industry players to connect with their potential customers and partners. Last year, the leisure and travel market attracted 120,000 visitors with approximately 1,000 exhibitors from 50 countries. Next year, the five-day format will combine trade and public days with outdoor activities, camping and caravanning, hot deals from wellness resorts, and cruises. The most exciting part of the market will be the Hands-on program, where visitors will be invited to try out products and sports on the spot. 

Major Highlights:

  • Caravan and camping dedicated hall
  • Cruise and maritime tourism section
  • Munich diving days
  • Hiking and mountain tourism presentations
  • Evening entertainment and cultural showcases

BIT Milano

Where: Fiera Milano Exhibition Center, Milan, Italy
When: February 10-12, 2026
Official website: https://bit.fieramilano.it/en/

Italy’s major international tourism exchange brings together around 8000 industry professionals from 70 countries, with approximately 45,000 trade and public visitors and 7000 travelers looking for new experiences. Milan’s position as a business hub gives this show a particularly commercial focus with serious buyers looking to set up new partnerships.

The concept of the 2026 BIT Milano is “Building Bridges, Imagining New Ecosystems.” The 3-day program will be held in 6 different Plazas. 4 of them will be dedicated to vertical themes, and the remaining two will be for inspiration. 

Major Highlights:

  • Exclusively trade-focused with no public days
  • Reimagined territories and transformative experiences
  • New trends and travel proposals
  • Regional Italian tourism boards, presenting opportunities across Italy
  • Wedding and honeymoon tourism dedicated section
  • Educational travel and student exchange program area

Romanian Tourism Fair

The most significant event in Romania’s tourism industry, offering an ideal platform for launching new products, networking with decision-makers, and building sustainable partnerships. Thousands of visitors, travel agencies, tour operators, and industry specialists.
Why Visit:

  • Access exclusive travel deals prepared especially for the fair.
  • Explore a wide range of attractive national and international destinations.
  • Meet industry experts who can recommend vacations tailored to your preferences and budget.
  • Compare accommodation and transport services directly on-site to find the best options.

Ferie for Alle (Danish Travel Show 2026)

Where: MCH Messecenter Herning, Herning, Denmark
When: February 20-22, 2026
Official website: https://www.danishtravelshow.com/

The Scandinavian travel industry is booming, and no wonder we have a travel show in the heart of Denmark. This primary travel event brings together not only Scandinavian travel buyers but international exhibitors looking for new perspectives in the region. The show will host around 150 exhibitors and 3500 travel experts in 13 halls, making it the best for networking and communication.

Visitors will have over 200 free travel presentations on different stages, outdoor activities with diving pools and kayaks, a huge cycling area, and much more.

Major Highlights:

  • Focus on the Scandinavian outbound travel market
  • Sustainability in tourism discussions reflecting Nordic values
  • Arctic and adventure tourism presentations
  • Cruise and maritime tourism section
  • Educational travel programs

BTL 2026 – Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market

Where: FIL Building – Rua do Bojador, Lisbon, Portugal
When: February 25-March 1, 2026
Official website: https://btl.fil.pt/

Portugal’s main tourism trade show is more than a travel event; it is part of a culture that brings together professionals, companies, and travel enthusiasts.

In 2025, the Lisbon Travel Market attracted 82,000 visitors and 1,600 exhibitors from 100 countries. Next year, the show will include BTL CULTURAL area promoting cultural agents, BTL JOBS with B2B and B2C exhibitors looking for talents, BTL VILLAGE as a space for networking, and more. 

Major Highlights:

  • Dedicated spaces promoting wellness and wedding tourism
  • BTL Wine Tourism hall with wine tour destinations
  • Kids’ Route with games for little visitors 

March

ITB Berlin

Where: Berlin ExpoCenter City, Berlin, Germany
When: March 3-5, 2026
Official website: https://www.itb.com/en/besuchen/tickets

ITB Berlin is the industry’s anchor. It remains the world’s largest tourism trade show, and if you can only attend one event in 2026, this should probably be it. In 2026, they will be celebrating their 60th anniversary, expecting guests from all over the world. The 2025 edition drew 5800 exhibitors and 100,000 attendees from 181 countries across 10 exhibition halls. Walking the show floor is honestly overwhelming, but in the best way possible.

For 2026, expect a deeper focus on regulation, tech maturity, and destination responsibility. Besides geographic division, the trade show will be segmented into Adventure, Business, Luxury, Medical, LGBTQ+ Travel, and more. 

Major Highlights:

  • ITB Berlin Convention, running in parallel with 400 speakers on industry trends
  • Country and regional pavilions where you can meet DMO representatives directly
  • Hosted buyer programs connecting qualified travel professionals with suppliers
  • Adventure Travel Day, LGBTQ+ Travel Pavilion, and other specialized segments

BMT – Borsa Mediterranea del Turismo

Where: Mostra d’Oltremare, Naples, Italy
When: March 12-14, 2026
Registration: https://bmtnapoli.com/

The 29th edition of the Mediterranean Tourism Exchange is going to be another successful strategic event for professionals. Southern Italy’s major tourism exchange will be focused on Mediterranean destinations and bring together around 600 exhibitors with 50,000 trade and public visitors. Even if it is a B2B fair, it is an important event and deserves to be listed among the top travel and tourism events.

Major Highlights:

  • Spa and wellness active holidays workshops
  • Incentive and Congress workshop
  • Social tourism workshop hosting recreational clubs
  • Workshop area for business appointments

HOLIDAY WORLD & REGION WORLD 2026 – International Tourism and Regional Tourism Trade Fair

Where: PVA EXPO PRAGUE, Prague, Czech Republic
When: March 12-14, 2026
Official website: https://holidayworld.cz/

The 34th annual international travel and tourism fair is the Czech Republic’s leading travel industry event that combines international destination marketing with regional tourism promotion. In the past year, the event attracted over 21,000 visitors and 305 exhibitors from 25 countries. Next year, the fair will feature natural travel agencies and experts promoting the Czech Republic as a European travel destination of great potential. 

Major Highlights:

  • Commission seller travel agencies
  • Active holidays and agrotourism
  • Regional tourism section showcasing Czech and Slovak destinations
  • Active tourism and an outdoor recreation area
  • Culinary tourism and wine travel experiences
  • Wellness and spa tourism section
  • Travel technology and booking innovations

B-TRAVEL

Where: Fira Barcelona Montjuic, Barcelona, Spain
When: March 20-22, 2026
Official website: https://www.b-travel.com/

If you are looking for a platform where you can closely network and build connections, Barcelona’s B-Travel is a wonderful opportunity to share your ideas, get inspiration, and simply be part of the community. Last year, the event attracted around 26,000 visitors and 120 exhibitors. Unlike some massive trade shows where you feel like a number, B-TRAVEL maintains a more manageable size that actually allows for meaningful conversations.

Major Highlights:

  • Split between trade days and public days, allowing both B2B and B2C engagement
  • Over 1000 accredited professionals for networking
  • 7150 square meters of exhibition space with a diverse and passionate audience
  • Travel influencer meetups and content creator zones

13th World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism

Where: Ordino, Andorra
When: March 25-27, 2026
Official website: https://www.unwto.org

Organized by UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) and the Government of Andorra, this brings together ministers of tourism, ski resort operators, mountain destination managers, and wellness tourism specialists. This is more than a professional congress; it is a unique space for knowledge and experience exchange, debate on the present and the future of travel experiences in mountain regions. 

This event has already become a tradition and a great opportunity for business leaders to gain new leads. Previous congresses attracted 300 delegates from 60 countries, discussing the future of mountain tourism in the face of climate change.

Major Highlights:

  • High-level government policy discussions on mountain tourism
  • Climate change adaptation strategies for ski resorts
  • Year-round mountain tourism development models
  • Wellness integration in mountain destinations
  • Digitalisation, AI, and technologies, changing the mountain tourism
  • Andorra Taste Experience with high mountain gastronomy show

Rendez-vous en France

French tourism constantly evolves and transforms and the best way to be in the spotlight is to attend international travel professionals rendez-vous focusing exclusively on French tourism. 600 global operators from 70 countries and 13 regions, 25.000 business meetings planned, and 800 international buyers.

This is a unique chance to explore French travel insights that are now more focused on sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions.

April

PLACE2GO 2026 – International Tourism Fair

Where: Zagreb, Croatia
When: April 8-10, 2026
Official website: https://place2go.org/

2025 PLACE2GO was a real success for the tourism fair. It gathered over 140,000 visitors and 800 exhibitors from 41 countries. Next year, it is going to be no less exciting for travelers looking for new ways to explore the world. For the local travel agencies, this is one of the best ways to promote Zagreb and Croatia as a less explored but a true gem in Europe. 

Major Highlights:

  • Travel Market as a direct sales zone
  • B2B meetings and educational lectures
  • Children’s corner with creative workshops
  • Travel Book Cafe for coffee and networking

Germany Travel Mart (GTM)

Where: Oberhausen
When: April 19-21, 2026
Official website: https://www.germany.travel/en/trade/gtm.html

GTM is a workshop-style event rather than a traditional trade show, which makes the networking far more intensive and productive. Every year, the event hosts a new city, bringing together local and regional industry leaders. Next year, Oberhausen will host the 52nd GTM with around 500 international tour operators and experts from over 30 countries. 

The location of the workshop is quite symbolic, behind the main train station, as a promotion of incoming tourism. 

Major Highlights:

  • The preview of the International Horticultural Exhibition Ruhr Metropolis 2027
  • Pre-scheduled one-on-one business appointments with German tourism suppliers
  • Familiarity trips showcasing the host region (Ruhr)
  • Evening networking events
  • Focused exclusively on Germany as a destination

Arival 360 Europe – 2026

  • Where: Valencia Conference Centre, Valencia, Spain;
  • When: April 27–29, 2026
  • Official Website: Arival 360

Bringing together all the best in travel, the creators and sellers of European tours, the event is a great experience for professionals and newbies in the travel industry to expand their network and establish valuable partnerships. 1,000+ professionals from tours and activity sectors. Learn strategies to improve guest experience, grow in-destination offerings, and participate in plenary and breakout sessions.

May

IMEX Frankfurt 2026

Where: Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
|When: May 19-21, 2026
Official website: https://frankfurt.imexevents.com/newfront

IMEX is the undisputed leader in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Events) sector. The 2025 event brought together 2,900 exhibiting companies and 4,500 hosted buyers from 177 countries, conducting around 67,000 pre-scheduled appointments. 

This and similar events present a significant opportunity for both industry leaders and newcomers who want to aggressively enter the sector and establish partnerships. For three days, multiple halls of the IMEX will be filled with people connecting and discussing the future of tourism.

Major Highlights:

  • Impact Talking Point free education program with 200+ sessions
  • Hosted buyer program connecting qualified planners with destinations
  • IMEXrun and IMEX exhibition
  • It’s All About People discussions on the industry workforce and diversity
  • Networking events, including the Tuesday-at-IMEX aftershow party

Adventure ELEVATE Europe

Where: Val d’Aran, Catalonia, Spain
When: May 19-21, 2026
Official website: https://events.adventuretravel.biz/adventureelevate/europe-2026

The second edition of AdventureELEVATE Europe will be held on the peaks of the Pyrenees, a hidden treasure of Catalonia, where adventure travel is experienced in a new way. Organized by Adventure Travel Trade Association’s Europe, the event will bring 250-300 adventure travel professionals to Catalonia for educational sessions, meet-ups, knowledge, and experience exchange. The small scale of the event emphasizes education, networking, and destination exploration over massive trade show floors. 

Major Highlights:

  • Pre-event adventure activities 
  • Marketplace connecting adventure tour operators with destinations and suppliers
  • Educational sessions on adventure travel business development
  • Sustainability and responsible adventure tourism discussions
  • Post-event adventure excursions 

June

TravelTech Show

Where: ExCel, London, United Kingdom
When: June 24-25, 2026
Registration: https://traveltech-show.com/

TravelTech Show is Europe’s major event for businesses. This platform is an exclusive opportunity to meet over 700 businesses from 53 countries. 

Every year, the trade show benchmarks technology trends and tools that will make the coming year’s travel experience more unique and profitable. Next year, it will be about AI in the tourism industry, automation in payments and booking, CRM systems, data analytics, etc. Less fluff, more actual product demos and technical discussions. TravelTech Show co-hosts Business Travel Show Europe and the Meeting Show; the guests will have access to all three events with one pass. 

Major Highlights:

  • Live technology demonstrations from travel tech startups and established players
  • Distribution and booking technology deep dives
  • 1-2-1 meeting platform for buyers and suppliers
  • Startup pitch competitions with investor panels

September

Yerevan Rest & Entertainment EXPO 2026

Where: Karen Demirchyan Complex, Yerevan, Armenia
When: September 4–6, 2026
Official website: https://expo.am/en/exhibition/otdyh-i-razvlecheniya-expo

The Rest & Entertainment Expo will be held in Yerevan, bringing together companies and organizations from the recreation and entertainment sector. The event provides a space for industry participants to present their products, services, and new developments.
The expo will feature various entertainment offerings, including theme parks, attractions, game centers, bowling alleys, cinemas, sports complexes, restaurants, and cafes. The event is open to industry professionals and the general public interested in learning about current trends and technologies in recreation and entertainment.

IFTM Top Resa

Where: Porte de Versailles, Paris, France
When: September 15-17, 2026
Official website: https://www.iftm.fr/en-gb.html#/

Every year, France’s leading travel trade event is a huge success. In 2025, it gathered together 32,000 tourism professionals and 1,800 exhibitors who used this platform to set up over 16,000 meetings. Top Resa is particularly important for luxury and business travel, French domestic tourism, and meeting French tour operators who control significant buying power in the European market.

Major Highlights:

  • Four days split between exclusively professional days and mixed audience
  • Panel discussions, one-on-one meetings
  • Luxury travel pavilion
  • Sustainable tourism dedicated zone
  • Extensive conference program with industry thought leaders

IFTM 2026

Where: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris, France
When: September 15-17, 2026
Official website: https://www.iftm.fr/en-gb.html#/

FTM Top Resa is one of France’s major travel trade shows covering all types of travel: adventure, business, leisure, and more. The 3-day event brings together 35,000 professionals and 1,800 exhibitors, open to one-to-one meetings with partners and presentations for visitors. 

In 2025, the event presented 177 destinations, hosted 1650 brands, and 32000 professionals. It’s particularly valuable for understanding French travel trade dynamics and connecting with French tour operators.

Major Highlights:

  • Industry leaders as major sponsors
  • Startup Contest about the tourism industry’s innovation and technologies 
  • Round tables, workshops, and stand-ups

IAAPA Expo Europe

Where: Excel London, London, UK
When: September 21-25, 2026
Official website: https://iaapa.org/expos-and-events/expo-europe

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions brings together theme park operators, attraction managers, and entertainment industry suppliers. Next year, the expo’s program will include over 20 highly anticipated events that will promote networking and lead generation. Every booth is a separate attraction, and it is absolutely impossible to explore the huge territory in one day. 

Major Highlights:

  • Major ride and attraction manufacturers showcasing new developments
  • Operations and safety sessions
  • Revenue management for attractions
  • Entertainment production and show design
  • Education programs and conferences
  • Sustainability in attractions and parks

Synergy – The Retreat Show

  • Where: Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Croatia;
  • When: September 29 – October 2, 2026
  • Official Website: The Retreat Show

The fifth Synergy event will again focus on luxury wellness tourism and retreats. The show connects wellness brands, retreat leaders, and luxury resort representatives. Wellness professionals from 50+ countries experienced in the wellness and travel industry various meetings and unlimited opportunities. Perfect for networking within the wellness and retreat tourism sector, and the Mediterranean travel experience is the icing on the cake.

October

TT WARSAW 2026

  • Where: Ptak Warsaw Expo, Warsaw, Poland;
  • When: October 8–11, 2026
  • Official Website: TT Warsaw

The international travel and tourism trade fair in Poland will gather under its roof travel agencies, airlines, hotels and resorts, and more to discuss travel, trending destinations, technology, and sustainability. The event is expected to host over 20.000 visitors and 200 exhibitors from 54 countries. The B2B networking zone is a place where you can connect to exhibitors for networking or lead generation.

TTG Travel Experience

Where: Rimini Expo Centre, Rimini, Italy
When: October 14-16, 2026
Official website: https://en.ttgexpo.it/

TTG Travel Experience is another leading event promoting global tourism. In fact, it has become Italy’s most important B2B travel trade show, bringing together around 2,700 exhibitors and 72,000 visitors from the international travel industry. Held in Rimini on Italy’s Adriatic coast, the event attracts serious buyers and tour operators focusing on Italian tourism and Mediterranean destinations. The main theme is AWAKE, a wakeup call for clarity, a moment of collective awareness. 

The expo hall will be divided into several areas based on destinations. Italy has a separate zone, presenting the country in its palette and taste. 

Major Highlights:

  • Nautical tourism with top-rated cruises, marinas, and coastal reserves
  • An African village focused on Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Wellness and spa tourism dedicated section
  • Slow tourism and sustainable travel pavilion
  • TTG Next Startup is an area of the Innovation District with tourism startups

Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2026

Where: Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Belgium, Brussels
When: October 26-27, 2026
Official website: https://www.globaltourismforum.org/events/annual-meeting-2026

This high-level event brings together government officials, tourism ministers, and industry leaders to discuss global tourism policy, sustainable development, and international cooperation. Cohosting The World Tourism Awards 2026 Ceremony, the event is not just another travel industry conference, but a trendsetter and an international collaboration platform, addressing industry challenges. 200-300 participants will be engaged in strategic discussions rather than commercial transactions.

Major Highlights:

  • Blue, Green & Medical Tourism: New Frontiers of Growth
  • Africa & Emerging Markets: Tourism as a Development Engine
  • Tourism 2050: Resilient, Regenerative, AI-Enabled
  • New Media, Influence & Destination Branding
  • World Tourism Awards with 100 categories

November

WTM – World Travel Market

Where:  Excel, London, United Kingdom
When: November 3-5, 2026
Official website: https://www.wtm.com/london/en-gb.html#/

World Travel Market London is one of the global tourism industry’s most important events and the heart of travel and tourism in London. Last year, it brought together 50,000 industry professionals and 5,000 exhibiting companies from 182 countries, and it was a massive success for participants. The three-day event will include the TrendFest, which is all about the future of travel with an interactive zone and a cooking corner. Masterclasses and keynotes will be focused on AI in tourism, sustainability, risk management, etc.

Major Highlights:

  • Exclusive interviews with industry leaders
  • Masterclasses and practitioner-led workshops
  • Mindful mornings
  • WTM guided tours

ILTM Cannes (International Luxury Travel Market)

  • Where: Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France;
  • When: December, 2026 (TBA)
  • Official Website: ILTM Cannes

The most prestigious event in luxury travel will be the end-of-the-year event of the upcoming 2025, connecting high-end travel brands with global buyers. Thousands of luxury travel professionals. An unparalleled opportunity to network with the world’s leading luxury hotel brands, resorts, travel companies, cruises, and more.

Highlights: Besides enjoying French Riviera gems Cannes will please visitors with a great shopping experience at Rue d’Antibes and Forville Market.

the authorAnush Bichakhchyan
Content writer
Anush is a freelance content writer and columnist. Writing on tourism and recreation, technology, high-tech and design industries.