Press release
Positive results from FESPO & Golfmesse 2026: Swiss people’s appetite for travel remains undiminished.
FESPO & Golfmesse 2026 came to a successful close today, Sunday. Over four days, Switzerland’s largest holiday and leisure fair attracted around 42'000 visitors, turning Messe Zürich into the central meeting point for travel enthusiasts, outdoor fans, and golfers.
With a diverse range of exhibitors and a palpable sense of optimism, the 34th edition of FESPO & Golfmesse once again confirmed its status as Switzerland’s leading platform for holidays, mobility, and leisure. Around 500 exhibitors from Switzerland and abroad presented their travel offerings. These included, among others, sustainable holiday concepts, tailor-made experiences, outdoor activities, as well as products and services in the areas of camping, caravanning, and active holidays.Numerous presentations, special exhibitions, and interactive formats—such as photography workshops, holiday round tables, travel meet-ups, golf activities, and diving experiences—also met with strong interest, as did the Golfmesse held in parallel with FESPO.
Positive feedback from trade fair organizers and the travel industry
The FESPO & Golfmesse 2026 clearly demonstrated how strong the desire for travel and new experiences is,” says Stephan Amstad, Fair Director of FESPO & Golfmesse . “The halls were consistently very well attended, the atmosphere was positive, and the conversations between exhibitors and visitors were highly engaging. For us, this is a strong indication both of the unbroken travel enthusiasm of the Swiss public and of the importance of FESPO & Golfmesse as a platform for inspiration and dialogue.” Bernhard Aeschbacher, Director of Tourismus Engadin Scuol Samnaun Val Müstair AG, draws a positive conclusion: “This year we were present with a larger stand, which allowed us to have a significantly stronger presence. I hope that even more Swiss providers will participate in FESPO & Golfmesse in the future.” Christoph Huckele, Senior Commercial Manager at rail travel specialist Railtour, also gives an enthusiastic assessment of the four fair days: “The atmosphere in the halls was consistently very positive, and we finally had the opportunity to experience the market live. Our stand was continuously well attended by rail enthusiasts – our return to the fair was definitely worthwhile.” Industry representatives also look back positively on the past four days. “FESPO offered space for exchange, networking, and orientation in a changing market environment,” says Andrea Beffa, Managing Director of the Swiss Travel Association (SRV). “Especially in times when travel needs are changing rapidly, the personal exchange offered by FESPO & Golfmess is enormously valuable. The fair impressively demonstrated how innovative, diverse, and future-oriented our industry is.
The whole world in one place
For the second year in a row, the popular diving container from Funny Diving was featured at FESPO & Golfmesse. The container, filled with 30 m³ of water, was accessible to both beginners and certified divers thanks to professional supervision. Returning exhibitors such as Costa Rica, as well as newcomers like Moldova, impressed visitors with strong presentations on site. On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, Globetrotter showcased a generous exhibition stand that evoked a holiday atmosphere, invited visitors to linger, and brought travel stories to life through the treasure chest of travel stories audio experience.
The "Golfmesse" also Impressed
The concurrently held Golfmesse once again proved to be an important meeting point for the Swiss golf scene in 2026. With expert presentations focusing on the theme of game improvement, practical insights from industry professionals, and numerous exhibitors from the hotel, equipment, and golf travel sectors, the fair offered a varied and inspiring program. Particularly encouraging was the return of Spain after a one-year pause—a clear sign that travel is becoming increasingly important again for both exhibitors and visitors. Anna Wittig, Fair Director of the Golfmesse, expressed great satisfaction: “We had numerous exhibitors participating for the first time to test the waters—and they enjoyed it so much that they immediately signed up for next year. What also stood out to me this year was the long time visitors spent in the golf halls.” With the successful conclusion of FESPO & Golfmesse 2026, attention is already turning to the future: the next edition will take place from February 4 to 7, 2027.
