Monfragüe National Park: The Heart of Ornithological Tourism This Weekend
The Monfragüe National Park, nestled in the province of Cáceres, Spain, is buzzing with excitement as it hosts the International Ornithological Tourism Fair (FIO) this weekend. Attracting thousands of enthusiasts, the fair promises a plethora of activities aimed at celebrating the region’s avian biodiversity.
A Record-Breaking Exhibit
Inaugurated on February 28, the fair continues over the weekend, featuring an impressive 123 exhibitors from various locations, including 13 autonomous communities in Spain and countries like Belgium, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Portugal, and Uganda. This year’s edition marks a significant milestone with a dedicated focus on women’s visibility in ornithological tourism, showcasing their contributions to the field.
The exhibition spans three designated areas:
- 86 stands are focused on travel and tourism,
- 19 on optics and cameras, and
- 18 dedicated to art and nature.
This arrangement reinforces FIO’s position as Spain’s most significant ornithological event and the second-largest in Europe.
Highlights of the Fair
Celebrating Local Biodiversity
A standout feature this year is the emphasis on the large ornithological zones in Extremadura. The fair highlights the Badajoz region of La Serena, notable for its rich biodiversity and a prime bird-watching destination.
Focus on Women in Ornithology
FIO aims to dismantle the notion that ornithological tourism is a predominantly male-focused field. To that end, the program includes various high-profile female speakers, including national and international leaders in the industry. The celebrated Extremaduran illustrator Ana Fernández designed the FIO 2026 poster, depicting the white grebe—a species emblematic of the region and symbolizing both beauty and the urgent need to safeguard fragile wetlands.
Economic Impact and Sustainability
The fair serves not only as a celebration of avian life but also as an economic catalyst for sustainable tourism. With between 550 and 600 B2B meetings planned throughout the event, the fair fosters collaborations among specialized companies.
The program offers 22 conferences, 15 workshops, and diverse activities including guided tours and presentations designed for families. One particularly anticipated workshop features watercolorist José Antonio Sencianes, who will guide participants through the intricacies of painting birds.
International Reach and Initiatives
This year also sees the Canary Islands as the guest destination, recognized for its extraordinary natural resources and potential in ornithological tourism. The initiative aims to enhance visibility for various territories in Extremadura, encouraging visitors to explore the biodiversity within Spain.
The Fotofío space, dedicated to nature photography and cinema, will feature a talk titled “What a bridge makes possible,” focusing on the challenges faced by women photographers in nature.
Closing Events
The fair concludes on Sunday with the screening of the documentary ‘Sentinels of the Wind’, featuring discussions from biologist Laura Gangoso. Additionally, a conference reflecting on 21 years of ornithological tourism in Extremadura will be held, showcasing insights from Martin Kelsey, a veteran nature guide.
A Global Photographic Challenge
In an exciting twist, this year’s fair photography contest has garnered 7,254 submissions from 46 countries, marking the event’s highest international diversity to date.
In conclusion, the International Ornithological Tourism Fair at Monfragüe National Park not only highlights the rich avian life of Extremadura but also champions sustainability, women’s visibility, and international collaboration, ensuring the event’s legacy for years to come.