EXPOPLAYA 2026: the 'sun and beach' sector meets in Torremolinos

On February 20, 2026, the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de Torremolinos will once again be filled with entrepreneurs, professionals, and brands associated with the Andalusian coast for the 49th edition of EXPOPLAYA. After nearly half a century, the fair has become an essential meeting point for those working around beaches and beach bars, not only in Andalusia but also nationally and internationally.

Organized by FAEPLAYAS (Andalusian Federation of Beach Entrepreneurs), along with FESEMPLA (Spanish Federation of Beach Entrepreneurs) and EFEBE (European Federation of Bathing Establishments), and sponsored by the Junta de Andalucía and supported by the Costa del Sol brand, EXPOPLAYA remains true to its essence: a meeting point, a showcase for new products, and a space for debate for the sector.

The attendance of more than 3,000 people including entrepreneurs, municipal technicians, authorities, and media is expected in an edition that also begins to focus on a symbolic date: the celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2027.

Torremolinos, a Meaningful Venue

The choice of Torremolinos as the venue for EXPOPLAYA is not coincidental. Its proximity to the Málaga-Costa del Sol airport, just ten minutes away, the connection with the AVE through Málaga city and the Cercanías network, in addition to direct access via highway, facilitate the arrival of professionals from all over Spain and other European countries.

This ease of connection reinforces the open nature of the fair and its aim to continue growing beyond the Andalusian scope.

A Constantly Evolving Sector

EXPOPLAYA was created with a clear objective: to boost and promote the "sun and beach" industry, one of the major economic drivers of Andalusia. But beyond the numbers, the fair seeks something more specific: to help the sector adapt to increasingly demanding tourism.

Modernization of infrastructure, improvement of services, practical application of regulations, real sustainability, and competitiveness are some of the focuses of this edition.

Among the goals set are:

• To strengthen the competitiveness of beach bars and beach establishments.

• To showcase technological innovations applied to the coast.

• To promote more sustainable management models.

• To generate business and collaboration opportunities.

• To analyze current regulatory challenges.

• To pave the way for the 50th edition in 2027.

EXPOPLAYA is not just a trade fair. It is also a space where the sector listens, shares concerns, and seeks joint solutions.

Exhibition Area: See, Touch, and Compare

One of the main attractions, as every year, will be the Exhibition Area. Here, the latest innovations in beach equipment, removable installations, nautical solutions, specialized furniture, shading systems, and technological proposals designed specifically for the coastal environment can be closely viewed.

For many entrepreneurs, this area represents an opportunity to compare products, discover trends, and establish direct contacts with suppliers. For brands, it is the best possible showcase in front of a very specific professional audience.

Technical Sessions: From Debate to Practice

In parallel, the Technical Sessions will once again play a central role. They will address issues such as the application of legal regulations, the current state of facilities, staff training, and new trends in coastal tourism.

It is not just about listening to presentations, but about opening spaces for dialogue between entrepreneurs, municipal representatives, and specialists. The intention is clear: to ensure that the conclusions have a real application in the daily operations of the establishments.

In 2026, the format also becomes more dynamic and bets on more experiential proposals.

CHIRITARDEO: When the Afternoon Takes Center Stage

The main novelty of this edition has its own name: CHIRITARDEO. The concept stems from a simple but powerful idea: to value that time slot from lunch to sunset, a moment that increasingly attracts more public and offers new opportunities for beach bars.

After the traditional communal lunch with recognizable dishes such as brothy rice or fried fish, the program will give way to two masterclasses that directly connect with this new way of understanding the beach experience.

The first will focus on coffee. A specialized barista will show innovative techniques, pairing proposals, and creative formulas with a sustainable focus, including the use of waste under the "zero waste" philosophy.

Then it will be the turn for artisanal cocktails, with combinations made from botanicals and careful processes, designed to accompany the transition to sunset. All this with a musical ambiance that recreates the relaxed atmosphere of an afternoon at the beach.

The idea is clear: to expand the experience beyond the morning and night, and to turn the afternoon into a time with its own identity.

Looking Forward to the 50th Edition

The 49th edition is not just another one. It marks the step prior to a significant milestone: the 50th edition in 2027. For this reason, this year already sees changes in the image, approach, and way the sector is presented.

The inclusion of new generations of entrepreneurs, the adaptation to new fair formats, and the opening to more immersive experiences are part of a natural evolution. EXPOPLAYA wants to continue being a reference, but also to remain useful.

With more than 3,000 visitors expected and the participation of numerous brands linked to equipment, gastronomy, beverages, and specialized services, the fair will once again demonstrate that the 'sun and beach' sector is not static, but dynamic and capable of reinventing itself.

Because the Andalusian beaches are not just landscape. They are business, employment, culture, and experience. And every year, in Torremolinos, the sector gathers to remember this and project it towards the future.

More information:

https://expoplaya.es/