Hold onto your passports, globetrotters! 🌍 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for travel, with new direct flights between the Chinese mainland and Spain fueling a post-pandemic tourism surge. Industry leaders predict this year could smash 2025's record of 1.5 billion international travelers, despite last year's dip in North American visits.
At Madrid's FITUR tourism fair, Iberia Airlines revealed their ambitious plans: 'We're seeing explosive growth from Asia,' said Commercial Director María Jesús López Solás. 'Our new codeshare with China Southern Airlines already connects Madrid to Guangzhou, Beijing, and seven other cities—with Latin American hubs next!' ✈️
Hainan: China's Tropical Hotspot
All eyes are on Hainan, dubbed 'China's Hawaii,' now a tax-free Free Trade Port. 🏝️ 'Spanish travelers keep asking about white-sand beaches and duty-free shopping,' shared Xu Ting Ting from Madrid's Chinese Cultural Center. Negotiations for direct Madrid-Hainan flights are underway, potentially opening this paradise to European sunseekers by late 2026.
Green Skies Ahead?
With aviation contributing 8% of global emissions, sustainability is key. Iberia's parent company IAG aims for net-zero by 2050 through:
✅ 30% more fuel-efficient planes
✅ Expanding Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) use
✅ Partnering with travelers on eco-initiatives
'We need everyone onboard—literally,' López Solás told CGTN.
As wanderlust meets climate consciousness, 2026 could redefine how we explore. Ready to pack your (reusable) bags? 🧳💚
