FITUR to focus on sustainability and tourism in Africa and MENA
Sustainable tourism will be high on the agenda at this year’s International Tourism Fair (FITUR), which takes place in Madrid later this month.
The event, which runs from 18-22 January, comprises a range of events organised by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with a number of activities having a special focus on sustainable tourism. One of the highlights will be the official presentation of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017 on 18 January.
Other UNWTO-prepared events to be held at FITUR, include the 13th Edition of the UNWTO Awards on Innovation and Excellence in Tourism on 18 January, which will commend some of the best examples of sustainable tourism around the world. Preceding the ceremony on 16 January, the Awards Forum will present the 12 projects shortlisted from 139 initiatives that were received from 55 countries.
Launching the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017
Opportunities in Africa
In addition to the presentation of the International Year and the UNWTO Awards, more than 20 ministers of tourism from Africa will debate the opportunities that the sector can bring to the continent. The Tourism Investment and Business Forum for Africa (INVESTOUR) will focus on the role of sustainable tourism to foster social inclusion and prosperity.
The Forum, organised in cooperation with Casa Africa, will include two round table sessions – ‘Technology and design of new touristic products’ and ‘Capacity development for youth and women in tourism.’
The potential of tourism in the MENA region will also be examined during FITUR through a ministerial discussion forum that has been jointly organised by UNWTO and Casa Árabe. The event will focus on sustaining growth and strengthening the resilience of tourism in the Middle East and North Africa.
FITUR is a global meeting point for tourism professionals and the leading trade fair for inbound and outbound Ibero American markets. The event takes place at the Feria de Madrid from 18-22 January. For more details about this year’s event visit www.ifema.es/fitur_06
