Madrid crowned a major global urban destination after a string of international awards in 2026

Madrid achieves world leadership in urban tourism: Forbes Travel Awards 2026 (1st edition): Best City (vs Hong Kong/Miami; culture/heritage/gastronomy highlighted). Almudena Maíllo collected the award. It adds Best Destination in Europe 2026 (European Best Destinations; 127k votes >1.3M); World Congresses Leader (WTA); 2nd Urban Destination in the World (Euromonitor); FITUR 505M euros/255k visitors. Premium tourist: 980 euros/day. Challenges: mobility/prices/neighbourhood life.

The jury has valued the city's capacity to offer complete, high-quality experiences, consolidating its international appeal. This recognition joins other recent ones, such as its selection as Best Destination in Europe 2026 and its leadership in the congresses and meetings sector.

Beyond the prestige, tourism's impact is already noticeable in the city: greater activity in streets and shops, more events and a cultural agenda that is constantly growing.

This type of award reinforces Madrid's role as a tourism and economic engine, but also poses day-to-day challenges. It affects residents, mobility and prices, and requires balancing tourism growth with quality of life in neighbourhoods. The recognition comes at a moment of growth for the city. Now the key will be how to manage this momentum and turn it into sustainable improvements that benefit both visitors and those who live in Madrid.