The 37th edition of the Madrid international tourism fair, Fitur, will open its doors today Wednesday against a backdrop of sustainable development. The global tourism sector continues to ride growth, with a seventh consecutive year of positive figures.
According to provisional figures, the number of tourists is expected to reach more than 1.2 billion in 2016 according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), an increase of almost 2% compared to the year before. In 2015, international tourist arrivals increased by 4.4% to reach a total of 1.181 billion arrivals, according to the UNWTO.
A trend that is reflected in the most important tourist fair in the Spanish-speaking market, the first major fair of the year in Europe. During this edition, it will experience growth of 10% compared to last year in terms of exhibition area. The number of exhibitors will also have to grow to reach 755 direct exhibitors and nearly 10,000 operators in the sector, an increase of 6% compared to the previous edition. The number of visitors should also experience a significant increase compared to last year when the Fitur halls attracted more than 231,000 people.
The event will also be an opportunity for UNWTO to launch the celebrations of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly. The aim is to raise awareness of the potential that tourism has to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 universal sustainable development goals. The niche is large because sensitivity to ecological arguments is increasing. According to the organizers of the event, more than a third of travelers will choose during the current year destinations and products that are more respectful of nature, aspects on which the Mediterranean countries and especially Morocco, have strong arguments. In addition, the Tourism sector, if well managed, assures the UNWTO, can contribute to inclusive economic growth, social inclusion as well as the protection of cultural and natural resources. Note that Fitur will be an opportunity for around twenty African Ministers of Tourism to debate the prospects that tourism can open up for the continent. The Africa Tourism Business and Investment Forum, Investour, will focus on the role of sustainable tourism in serving social inclusion and prosperity. The potential of tourism in the Middle East and North Africa region will also be analyzed during the Ministerial Forum co-organized by UNWTO and Casa Arabe. This meeting will examine how to support growth and increase the resilience of tourism in the Middle East and North Africa.
