SEGITTUR-ICEX Agreement 2026: opportunities for tourism and TravelTech

Key data

Spanish tourism companies and TravelTech startups have had access since 15 April 2026 to a new framework of public support for internationalization. The agreement signed between SEGITTUR and ICEX Spain Export and Investment, published in the BOE on 22 April 2026, establishes a collaboration to organize joint tourism and TravelTech activities throughout the year.

The agreement combines two complementary capabilities: SEGITTUR's technological and innovation expertise and ICEX's extensive international foreign trade network. The result is a program of activities aimed at positioning Spanish tourism and technology offerings in global markets.

What does this regulation establish?

The agreement defines a framework for institutional collaboration between SEGITTUR and ICEX for the year 2026. The central elements of the agreement are as follows:

• Joint organization of international trade fairs in the tourism and technology sector.
• Participation in global events of reference for the TravelTech sector.
• Commercial missions aimed at opening foreign markets for Spanish tourism offerings.
• Positioning of Spanish tourism technology in international forums, leveraging ICEX's network abroad.
• Strengthening of digitalization and innovation as levers for tourism competitiveness, in line with the sector's public strategy.

The agreement does not expressly modify or repeal any previous regulation. It is an inter-institutional collaboration agreement for the current year, with validity during 2026.

Economic and operational impact

This agreement does not generate direct costs for companies nor does it imply new regulatory obligations. Its impact is of an opportunity nature, not compliance.

The practical implications for companies are:

• Access to internationalization programs with institutional backing from two top-level public organizations.
• Reduction in the cost of entering foreign markets, by being able to participate in trade fairs and commercial missions with public support.
• Visibility in global forums that would otherwise require significant own investment.
• Competitive positioning against international competitors in the field of tourism technology.

For companies that already work with ICEX or SEGITTUR, this agreement expands the possibilities for joint activities. For those that do not yet have a relationship with these organizations, now is the time to establish one.

Who does it affect?

• Spanish tourism sector companies that want to expand to international markets.
• TravelTech startups with technological solutions applied to tourism (bookings, management, customer experience, analytics, sustainability, etc.).
• Tourism sector entities: associations, clusters, tourist destinations and promotion organizations.
• Technology companies with solutions adaptable to the tourism sector seeking internationalization.
• Managers and internationalization officers of tourism companies with ambitions for foreign growth.

Practical example

A Spanish hotel management technology startup (TravelTech) that wants to access markets such as Asia or Latin America can take advantage of this agreement in the following way:

1. Contact SEGITTUR to identify the international tourism technology trade fairs in which Spain will participate in 2026 under this agreement.
2. Through the network of ICEX offices abroad, access local contacts, market studies and logistical support in the destination country.
3. Participate in a commercial mission organized jointly, reducing the cost of international prospecting compared to doing it independently.
4. Gain visibility with international buyers, investors and partners in a country-brand context backed institutionally.

Without this agreement, the same company would have to bear the cost of participating in trade fairs, market prospecting and local contacts on its own, with significantly higher costs and less institutional credibility.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if your company fits the beneficiary profile: tourism companies, TravelTech startups or sector entities with interest in foreign markets.
2. Contact SEGITTUR to learn about the calendar of international trade fairs and events planned under this agreement in 2026.
3. Contact ICEX to explore the internationalization programs available for the tourism and TravelTech sector in the current year.
4. Review if you already have an active relationship with either of the two organizations and, if so, communicate your interest in participating in the activities derived from this agreement.
5. Prepare international presentation materials (dossier, pitch, English website) to be ready when specific calls for missions or trade fairs open.

Official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-8849