FITUR to bring together 9,500+ companies
In FITUR 2013, two new forums devoted to Tourism Know-how and Wine-based Tourism Accommodation will constitute the main new features.
During its thirty- third staging, FITUR, the International Tourism Trade Fair, which is due to take place from January 30February 3, 2013 at Feria de Madrid, will bring together more than 9,500 companies representing 167 countries and regions, as well as all of the Spanish regions.
This event, which is organised by IFEMA, kicks off the international fair calendar for the year. This enables tourism professionals from all over the world to establish the foundations of their business strategies for the year, whilst also gauging the current situation within an industry that is constantly evolving. In effect, according to figures furnished by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), there were 1,000 million travellers throughout the world in 2012 ( 4% more than in 2011), who generated more than 3,000 million dollars in exports.
The participation figures at FITUR 2013, which will incorporate 100 new companies on this occasion, provide the best proof of the favourable climate within the worldwide tourist industry at present, an industry that continues to serve as one of the main sources of development in many nations. In this sense, as far as foreign participation at FITUR 2013 is concerned, the organisers might highlight the growth of Africa, based on the incorporation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, represented through the Chamber of Commerce in the country's capital city. They might also highlight the return of Libya, as well as the stable presence of companies and institutions from Latin America, for whom FITUR constitutes the leading trade showcase. These are precisely two of the continents on which tourism recorded its highest growth figures during 2012 ( up until August) according to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Specifically, Africa enjoyed growth of 6% and the American continent enjoyed growth of 4%. As far as the realm of business is concerned, the organisers might mention the re-incorporation of companies such as Hespedia and Fiesta & Resorts Hotels.