Three days of a major professional tourism gathering are underway. The IFTM opens its doors this Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, and runs through Thursday, September 17. The show brings together tourism professionals in a context that is notably volatile on the international and economic fronts.
The conflict in the Middle East continues to weigh on the sector. Disruptions in air flows, and above all the consequences of rising energy prices, are factors that professionals must contend with.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has notably helped drive the energy shock and push up the costs of air transport.
To this international situation is added a particularly sensitive political sequence in France. To within months of the 2027 presidential election, whose two rounds are scheduled for April 18 and May 2, the government is preparing a 2027 budget under tight constraints.
For tourism businesses, this equation adds a dose of uncertainty to a market already facing changes in costs, purchasing power, and travel behaviors.
The conflict in the Middle East continues to weigh on the sector. Disruptions in air flows, and above all the consequences of rising energy prices, are factors that professionals must contend with.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has notably helped drive the energy shock and push up the costs of air transport.
To this international situation is added a particularly sensitive political sequence in France. To within months of the 2027 presidential election, whose two rounds are scheduled for April 18 and May 2, the government is preparing a 2027 budget under tight constraints.
For tourism businesses, this equation adds a dose of uncertainty to a market already facing changes in costs, purchasing power, and travel behaviors.
The value of travel: theme of the 2026 edition
In this backdrop, IFTM 2026 aims to showcase a positive momentum. Placed under the theme “The value of travel”, this edition is expecting around 1,700 exhibitors, about ten new destinations, as well as 30 ministers and 25 ambassadors.
Marie Allantaz, editorial director and strategic governance of IFTM, told us in a previous interview that “despite geopolitical turbulence, we are recording an engagement more forward-leaning than ever.”
The Europe and Africa regions show sustained growth, while, “against all odds”, signals remain positive for the Middle East.
The show will be inaugurated on the first day by Serge Papin, Minister for SMEs, Tourism and Purchasing Power. On that occasion, he will unveil, alongside Atout France, the figures for the 2026 summer season.
Marie Allantaz, editorial director and strategic governance of IFTM, told us in a previous interview that “despite geopolitical turbulence, we are recording an engagement more forward-leaning than ever.”
The Europe and Africa regions show sustained growth, while, “against all odds”, signals remain positive for the Middle East.
The show will be inaugurated on the first day by Serge Papin, Minister for SMEs, Tourism and Purchasing Power. On that occasion, he will unveil, alongside Atout France, the figures for the 2026 summer season.
Uzbekistan will be the country of honor
The show will notably host new exhibitor destinations such as Cambodia and Lithuania, while Côte d’Ivoire returns. Uzbekistan will be highlighted this year as the country of honor for 2026.
The France Destination program also benefits from enhanced features, with a new walkway, micro-trainings, and collective intelligence workshops bringing together receptive partners, distributors, and institutions.
Another novelty: Literary Breaks, a travel bookstore set at the heart of the show, with over 800 books, author meetings, and book signings.
The Business Club also expands in scope. For the first time, a 1:1 matchmaking program is organized with several professional partners to connect exhibitors with corporate buyers.
Travel Tech will also occupy a prominent place, with an immersive Tech Zone and programming focused on artificial intelligence, digital strategies in transport, CRM, or the opening of European rail for OTAs.
Major professional milestones will be complemented by several barometers, including those on business travel and MICE. The 2026 edition also introduces a Barometer of independent tourism professionals.
The France Destination program also benefits from enhanced features, with a new walkway, micro-trainings, and collective intelligence workshops bringing together receptive partners, distributors, and institutions.
Another novelty: Literary Breaks, a travel bookstore set at the heart of the show, with over 800 books, author meetings, and book signings.
The Business Club also expands in scope. For the first time, a 1:1 matchmaking program is organized with several professional partners to connect exhibitors with corporate buyers.
Travel Tech will also occupy a prominent place, with an immersive Tech Zone and programming focused on artificial intelligence, digital strategies in transport, CRM, or the opening of European rail for OTAs.
Major professional milestones will be complemented by several barometers, including those on business travel and MICE. The 2026 edition also introduces a Barometer of independent tourism professionals.
Travel agents: Travel Agent Cup, network village…
Travel agencies remain central to the setup. The Networks Village and the AGV lounge are intended as meeting points and networking hubs, while the “Conversations” will address the concrete challenges faced by professionals.
The sector’s talents will also be highlighted with the Travel Agents Cup, which enters its 13th edition. Ten travel agents will compete in the final on September 17 to try to win the title of “Best Travel Agent in France.”
The Orchestra Start-Up Contest, the Plume Verte by IFTM x ADONET, and the Travel Agents Cup Junior will complete the competitions organized during the show.
The sector’s talents will also be highlighted with the Travel Agents Cup, which enters its 13th edition. Ten travel agents will compete in the final on September 17 to try to win the title of “Best Travel Agent in France.”
The Orchestra Start-Up Contest, the Plume Verte by IFTM x ADONET, and the Travel Agents Cup Junior will complete the competitions organized during the show.
TourMaG mobilized for three days
TourMaG will also be on site for the entire duration of the IFTM. The whole team will be stationed at stand R078, Hall 1, to follow the show’s news, meet professionals, and give a voice to tourism stakeholders.
Interviews, announcements, analysis, innovations, and key moments: the editorial team will closely cover this new edition.
As every year, you will also find our special IFTM magazine wandering the aisles of the show!
Finally, the IFTM TourMaG Party will close the show at Club Haussmann, located at 23 Rue Taitbout, in Paris.
Interviews, announcements, analysis, innovations, and key moments: the editorial team will closely cover this new edition.
As every year, you will also find our special IFTM magazine wandering the aisles of the show!
Finally, the IFTM TourMaG Party will close the show at Club Haussmann, located at 23 Rue Taitbout, in Paris.
