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, January 30-February 3, 2013). Activities include:

UNWTO PRESS CONFERENCE – LATEST INTERNATIONAL TOURISM FIGURES AND OUTLOOK FOR 2013

January 29, 1030-1130, 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.

For more information and to register, contact [email protected]

TOURISM INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS FORUM FOR AFRICA (INVESTOUR)

January 31, 1000-1830, 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.

More information:
http://africa.unwto.org/en/event/iv-tourism-investment-and-business-forum-africa-investour-edition-2013

SEMINAR – ACCESSIBILITY: A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE FOR TOURISM DESTINATIONS

January 31, 1100-1230, 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.

More information: http://www2.unwto.org/en/event/accesibilidad-una-ventaja-competitiva-en-los-destinos-turisticos

PANEL DISCUSSION – ALTERNATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO RECOVER AND BOOST TOURISM IN THE MENA REGION

January 31, 1600-1730, 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.

For more information, contact [email protected]

FITUR GREEN 2013

January 30-February 1, 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 Management 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.

For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]

UNWTO SILK ROAD DESTINATIONS TO FEATURE IN FITURE GYMKHANA

February 2, 1000-2000, Silk Road Stands at FITUR Madrid

For the second year running, Silk Road destinations will feature in the Minube Travelers’ 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 organized 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.

More information: http://silkroad.unwto.org/en/event/travellers-gymkhana-silk-road-edition

More information on all UNWTO activities at FITUR: http://www2.unwto.org/en/event/fitur-2013

Visit the UNWTO Stand at 8D13

WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:

UNWTO participation at FITUR Green includes a roundtable on Energy Management 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.
This year, UNWTO has organized 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.
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.