The Spanish tourism industry has entered a period of mourning and recalibration following Sunday’s catastrophic train derailment near Adimuz, Córdoba, which resulted in 39 fatalities. While the Fitur 2026 international tourism fair maintains its scheduled opening on January 21st, the event will proceed with substantially modified programming as organizations across the sector demonstrate solidarity with victims and their families.
Substantial alterations to the fair’s agenda include the cancellation of numerous high-profile events. The Preferente Group has indefinitely postponed its annual awards gala, which was slated to honor tourism executives from prominent organizations including Jet2, Iberia, Garden Hotels, and Puntacana Group. Similarly, Exceltur has called off its scheduled tourism forum at IFEMA, explicitly citing the need for respect during national mourning periods.
The responsive adjustments extend beyond private organizations to public institutions. Both the Andalusian regional government and multiple provincial authorities have suspended official events and presentations originally planned for the fair. Major railway operators Iryo and Renfe have similarly canceled their scheduled programming in direct response to the transportation tragedy.
Fitur organizers have confirmed continuous coordination with national authorities while carefully monitoring developments. Although the exhibition grounds will open as planned, the traditional celebratory atmosphere will be notably absent. Business activities will proceed with heightened sensitivity, recognizing this edition’s profoundly somber context. The tourism sector’s collective response demonstrates an industry prioritizing human compassion over commercial interests during national tragedy.