A tourism investment forum for Africa and a debate on tourism prospects in the Middle East and North Africa are among the many UNWTO events planned for the International Tourism Trade Fair, FITUR (Madrid, Spain, 30 January – 3 February 2013).
- UNWTO Press Conference – Latest International Tourism Figures and Outlook for 2013 (29 January, 10.30 – 11.30, UNWTO Headquarters): FITUR 2013 will be preceded by UNWTO’s annual press conference at the Organization’s headquarters in Madrid at which UNWTO will present the latest edition of its World Tourism Barometer, providing an overview of international tourism results for 2012 and forecasts for 2013.
- Tourism Investment and Business Forum for Africa (INVESTOUR) (31 January, 10.00 – 18.30, FITUR Madrid): INVESTOUR for Africa, organized by UNWTO together with FITUR and Casa Africa, will hold its fourth edition at FITUR 2013, promoting sustainable tourism development in Africa. The event, consisting of a seminar and business-to-business meetings, allows African destinations to present their tourism offer to potential investors and discuss business and cooperation opportunities. At the same time, the event highlights the importance of investment for economic growth, sustainable development and job creation across the region.
- Seminar – Accessibility: A Competitive Advantage for Tourism Destinations (31 January, 11.00 – 12.30, FITUR Madrid): Jointly organized by UNWTO, the ONCE Foundation and IFEMA, this seminar will highlight good practices in tourism accessibility from across Europe and Latin America, with a special focus on accessible destinations in Uruguay. Tourism stakeholders, leading experts, and organizations representing persons with disabilities and special needs will share their insight and experiences on the subject of accessible tourism, while examining opportunities and challenges.
- Panel Discussion – Alternatives and Strategies to Recover and Boost Tourism in the MENA Region (31 January, 16.00 – 17.30, FITUR Madrid): Organized by UNWTO and Casa Arabe, this panel discussion will focus on the current situation and future prospects for tourism in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as on possible strategies to boost tourism to the region. Speakers include the Ministers of Tourism of Egypt, Jordan and Tunisia, as well as representatives from Emirates airline and the international hotel chain, Sol Melia.
- FITUR Green 2013 (30 January – 1 February, FITUR Madrid): Following the success of previous editions, FITUR Green, organized by FITUR and the Hotel Technological Institute (ITH) in collaboration with UNWTO and the Madrid Tourist Board, will once again be showing the tourism sector how it can cut costs by becoming more sustainable. UNWTO participation at FITUR Green includes a roundtable on Energy ManaMarco Polo Travel Publishingement with a presentation on the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, as well as further presentations on the Green Economy, Sustainable Tourism in the 21st Century and the UNWTO Hotel Energy Solutions Toolkit.
- UNWTO Silk Road destinations to feature in FITUR Gymkhana (2 February, 10.00 – 20.00, Silk Road Stands at FITUR Madrid): For the second year running, Silk Road destinations will feature in the Minube Travellers’ Gymkhana – a major promotional campaign where consumers complete a series of challenges in a treasure hunt at FITUR. Last year over 400 people competed for a range of prizes including holidays, artwork, handicrafts and culinary prizes. This year, UNWTO has organised for a specific Silk Road route to be included in the Gymkhana and participating Silk Road destinations will have the opportunity to showcase their tourism attractions in a fun and interactive way.
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