World Tourism Organization to hold activities at International Tourism Trade Fair

Signaling the beginning of the international tourism calendar for 2012, UNWTO will hold a number of activities at the International Tourism Trade Fair, FITUR, addressing key issues facing the sector in times of uncertainty (Madrid, Spain, January 18-22, 2012).

UNWTO PRESS CONFEENCE – LATEST INTERNATIONAL TOURISM FIGURES AND OUTLOOK FOR 2012
(January 16, 1230–1330, UNWTO Headquarters)

FITUR 2012 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 2011 and forecasts for 2012.
Register with [email protected]

EXCELTUR’S 6TH TOURISM LEADERSHIP FORUM – TOURISM DRIVING GROWTH AND EMPLOYMENT: POLICIES TO STIMULATE COMPETITIVENESS
(January 17, 0915–1830, Rooms N104-N105)

Organized by Exceltur and UNWTO on the eve of FITUR, the Forum will bring together leading tourism experts to debate policies adopted by countries in which tourism has been identified as a priority to drive growth and create employment; consider new public/private partnership models in tourism; as well as outline the tourism trends expected for 2012 and the impact of the current economic situation on tourism demand.
Register at http://6foro.exceltur.org/ing/?zona=2

TOURISM INVESTMENT FORUM FOR THE AMERICAS AND AFRICA – INVESTOUR
(Americas: January 18, Africa: January 19)

The Americas will hold their first Tourism Investment Forum (INVESTOUR) event at FITUR 2012, with business-to-business meetings taking place on January 18 in the Hall of the Americas (time to be confirmed).
For more information on INVESTOUR for the Americas, contact [email protected] .

INVESTOUR FOR AFRICA, ORGANIZED BY UNWTO TOGETHER WITH FITUR AND CASA AFRICA, WILL HOLD ITS THIRD EDITION AT FITUR 2012, PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA
(January 19, 0930–1930, Rooms N115-N116)

The event, consisting of a seminar and business-to-business meetings, positions the African continent to attract tourism investment, allowing destinations to present their offer to potential investors. At the same time, the event highlights the importance of investment for economic growth, sustainable development, and job creation across the region.
Register for INVESTOUR Africa at http://www.ifema.es/ferias/fitur/investour/index_i.html .

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN THE TOURISM SECTOR – AN ENGINE FOR DEVELOPMENT PANEL DISCUSSION
(January 19, 1100–1230, Room N101)

In early 2011, UNWTO and UN Women released the Global Report on Women and Tourism, the first study to map women’s participation in the tourism sector worldwide. At FITUR 2012, experts will debate tourism’s capacity to foster gender equality and women’s independence, while examining current challenges and opportunities in the sector in light of the five main themes of the report – Employment, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Education, and Community.
Register at http://ethics.unwto.org/en/fitur-generoyturismo-evento .

FITUR GREEN 2012 – HOTEL ENERGY SOLUTIONS (HES)
(January 19, 1130–1200, Hall 10)

Following the success of previous editions, FITUR Green, organized in collaboration with UNWTO, the Hotel Technological Institute (ITH), and the Madrid Tourist Board, will once again be showing the tourism sector how it can cut costs by becoming more sustainable. The UNWTO-initiated Hotel Energy Solutions (HES), which provides hoteliers with tools to measure their energy consumption and provides solutions to reduce their carbon footprint while boosting business profits, will be presented during FITUR Green.
For more information, contact [email protected] .

JOINT UNWTO/FITUR SILK ROAD GYMKHANA
January 21, Silk Road Stands)

Visitors at FITUR 2012 will have the opportunity to participate in a treasure hunt, moving from stand to stand and taking part in a number of tests in order to win prizes. Silk Road destinations will be among those stands participating and using this opportunity to showcase their tourism attractions.
For more information, contact [email protected] .

Please visit the UNWTO stand at FITUR: 8D22