The Tourism Department has commenced the new year with renewed vigour at the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) 2026 in Madrid, Spain — one of the world’s leading tourism exhibitions bringing together global tourism leaders, tour operators and media professionals.
The Seychelles delegation is led by the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Ms Amanda Bernstein, accompanied by the Special Advisor for Tourism, Mrs Bernadette Willemin, and supported on the ground by Tourism Seychelles’ representative based in Madrid, Ms Monica Gonzalez.
FITUR, hosted annually at IFEMA Madrid, provides a strategic platform for destination marketing, trade engagement and partnership building. Seychelles’ participation once again signals its commitment to maintaining a strong international presence at the start of the year and reinforcing relationships in key source markets.
“We are pleased to begin 2026 at FITUR, showing Seychelles’ continued engagement with our travel partners and international institutions,” said Minister Amanda Bernstein.
“This platform allows us to strengthen existing relationships, explore new opportunities, and ensure Seychelles remains a competitive and high-value destination.”
Madrid’s position as the home of the UN Tourism headquarters presents an important opportunity for the Minister and delegation to re-engage with the new UN Tourism Secretary-General, who assumed office on the 1st January on Seychelles’ planned engagements for 2026, as well as to establish bilateral meetings with member countries, particularly those from the African continent.
While in Madrid, the Minister will also engage directly with travel trade professionals actively selling the destination, including through a special side event aimed at gaining insight into market challenges, expectations and aspirations for 2026.
“FITUR remains a key touchpoint for engaging with trade partners and stakeholders,” added Mrs Bernadette Willemin, Special Advisor for Tourism. “Our presence here supports targeted market engagement and meaningful collaboration for the year ahead.”
The delegation also includes private sector partners, namely:
Creole Travel Services, represented by Mrs. Normandy Salabao), 7 Degrees South, represented by Mr. Andre Butler-Payette and Masons Travel represented by Mrs. Amy Michel-Porter.
