Local tour operators will attend the annual Spanish FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid from January 30 to February 3. FITUR is a global meeting point for tourism professionals and the leading trade fair for inbound and outbound markets. It ranks as one of the chief tourism sector trade events in Spain. Inbound Tour Operators Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Tichaona Mudzonga said local participants would use the opportunity to regain their European market share.

"We are going to Madrid to try and get the most of the European market because we have realised there is a lot of interest in Zimbabwean facilities," he said.

Last year, at least 9 506 exhibiting companies from 167 countries, 119 322 trade participants and 91 555 people attended the FITUR. Also about 6 313 journalists from 54 countries turned up to cover the event, demonstrating the importance of FITUR on the international circuit of tourism sector events.

Organised at the Feria de Madrid, the show draws in more than 209 260 visitors at each of its editions. The latest trends and patterns from the tourism and hospitality industry are closely deliberated at the show and participating companies have ample scope of expanding their business networks during the meetings.

Tour and travel agency services, hotels and resorts, coach facilities and a host of other tourist destinations are showcased during the FITUR Show.

New Ziana