At FITUR 2026 in Madrid (21-25 January), Córdoba presents these novelties within Andalucia’s record-breaking pavilion (over 7,000 square metres). The stand features workshops, gastronomic tastings, and activities over the weekend to engage the public directly. Córdoba integrates with spaces for Ciudades Patrimonio de la Humanidad and protected natural areas, showcasing a model of coexistence between visitors and residents.
Córdoba province, in the heart of Andalucia, Spain, is set to enrich its visitor experience in 2026 through significant expansions in premium and boutique accommodation, a strategic push towards high-value segments such as religious and spiritual tourism, premium offerings, and enhanced experiential promotion. The city and surrounding areas leverage their UNESCO World Heritage status-particularly the Mezquita-Catedral, Jewish Quarter, and historic patios-alongside gastronomy, nature, and cultural depth to attract more discerning travellers.
Córdoba is experiencing a notable hotel boom, with several high-category projects advancing towards openings that will increase capacity and elevate quality. Seven hotels in the four- and five-star categories are planned to add around 400 new rooms between 2026 and 2028, focusing on conversions of historic buildings and new constructions.
Leading the wave in 2026 is the Zizai hotel project, expected to be among the first major openings, delivering premium facilities in a restored or purpose-built setting that aligns with the city’s historic character.
Subsequent projects slated for 2027-2028 include the Casa de los Condes de Zamora and the Convento de Santa Isabel, both involving sensitive restorations of heritage structures to create luxurious boutique or upscale accommodations. These developments form part of a broader pipeline that will bring the city’s total hotel offer closer to 9,000 beds, with most new additions in four-star properties.
Recent enhancements, such as the upgrade of the NH Collection Palacio de Córdoba to five-star status (completed late 2025), set the tone for 2026 by introducing higher-end urban luxury near key attractions.
The province anticipates 31 new hotel establishments (including tourist apartments) by 2028, with a strong concentration in the capital and one notable project in Posadas (Vega del Guadalquivir area). These additions support a shift towards quality tourism, with investments in experiences over mass volume.
Córdoba’s 2026 offerings emphasise experiential, sustainable, and niche tourism rather than entirely new major attractions. Key focuses include:
Tourism religioso y espiritual (religious and spiritual tourism): A new strategic plan positions Córdoba as a reference in this growing segment, capitalising on its interfaith heritage (Islamic, Christian, and Jewish), historic sites, and serene atmosphere for reflective travel.
Turismo premium y de excelencia (premium and excellence tourism): Targeted at high-value visitors seeking authentic, tranquil, slow-travel experiences linked to heritage, local gastronomy (such as salmorejo, flamenco influences, and olive oil routes), and exclusive encounters.
Turismo experiencial de interior (interior experiential tourism): The Diputaci√≥n de Córdoba promotes family-oriented activities around patrimony, nature (Sierra Morena and Guadalquivir valleys), and gastronomy, encouraging deeper engagement beyond the historic centre.
Additional enhancements include ongoing promotion of the patios (famous for their floral displays), potential new airport connections from Córdoba’s airport, and the city’s role as host for the VIII Congreso Internacional de Calidad y Sostenibilidad Turistica in 2026, reinforcing its commitment to responsible tourism.Arturo Bernal, Consejero de Turismo y Andalucia Exterior de la Junta de Andalucia, has highlighted the region’s overarching vision: “El turismo no es un sector m√°s, es una de las grandes industrias de Andalucia y una de las palancas m√°s potentes de prosperidad, cohesi√≥n social y proyecci√≥n internacional de nuestra tierra.”
