Marie Allantaz, the director of editorial strategy and operational management at IFTM, confirmed that “all lights are green” for the 2026 edition of the show. The event is expected to return to levels seen before the pandemic, with an overall increase of 10 to 15 percent projected. Organizers anticipate welcoming 1,700 exhibitors, including a dozen new destinations, and anticipate hosting 30 ministers and 25 ambassadors. This growth is driven by earlier commitments from both exhibitors and visitors compared to previous years. The Destination France zone is showing strong momentum, alongside notable growth in the Africa and Europe sectors. The Business Club area is also set to break records.
The Business Club is expanding with a new matchmaking program developed in partnership with several industry groups. Travel managers and corporate buyers will be able to attend pre-qualified one-on-one meetings starting at 8:30 a.m. on September 17. These sessions, lasting 15 to 20 minutes, must be booked and accepted in advance through the Everywhere platform. The Tech Zone will offer an immersive journey featuring a cruise booking agency installed in a commercial gallery. The Agora hall will focus on digital topics, including AI strategies, CRM, and the opening of European rail routes for OTAs.
Structured networking and immersive technology reflect a broader industry trend where physical events compete with virtual alternatives by offering deeper, more tangible connections. While digital tools allow for remote interaction, the tangible nature of these in-person matchings and live demonstrations creates a different kind of value that keeps the sector relevant.
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The 2026 edition includes a robust conference schedule. The opening ceremony on September 15 will feature the International Panorama followed by the inaugural presentation of destination strategies. The event will also launch a new barometer for tourism independents. Organizers are bringing back four competitions to highlight industry talent, including the Orchestra Start-Up Contest and the Travel Agents Cup. The “Hives” workshops, focused on collective intelligence, will return with more than 20 sessions across various zones.
Exhibitor lists show new entries such as Cambodia, Lithuania, and the return of Côte d’Ivoire. Uzbekistan is being honored as the “Country of the Year,” with a rich program of activities reflecting the country’s growing appeal to French travelers. The Destination France zone is receiving special attention, featuring a co-constructed village with Ty-Win and France DMC Alliance. It includes a new tour route, digital catalog workshops, and collective intelligence sessions for receptive, distribution, and institutional stakeholders. The Africa Convention will also host a dedicated hall for two days of B2B conferences and meetings.