The International Tourism Fair (Fitur 2024) has started in Madrid, and Ecuador takes center stage as a partner country. President of the Republic Daniel Noboa and Spanish kings Felipe VI. and Letizia officially opened the event, which until next January 28 in the capital of Spain gathers representatives from 152 countries, 9000 companies related to tourism. , 6,313 journalists and more than 100,000 visitors.

According to information from the Ministry of Tourism, the Ecuadorian delegation will hold meetings with more than 600 experts from the European tourism industry. “A great opportunity to achieve business, attract investment and promote job creation in Ecuador,” the state portfolio noted.

Daniel Noboa, in Spain: It is very difficult to leave the country, but you have to face the world

The national delegation includes 48 co-exhibitors from companies in the tourism sector from the four regions of Ecuador, along with representatives from various decentralized provincial and cantonal autonomous governments.

In tourism, one of the goals within Fitur is to increase the arrival of Spaniards in the country by at least 10%, given that the country has an important international air connection, namely fifteen flights a week with Spain, said the minister. of tourism, Niels Olsen, who is in Madrid.

“At Fitur, we have a great opportunity to show the best of Ecuador: its culture, landscapes, traditions, gastronomy, products and, of course, the warmth of its people (…). “We are here to tell the world that we have a wonderful country and that we continue to work hard for a safe Ecuador for citizens, tourists and investors,” Olsen said, explaining that in New Ecuador this sector has a special importance as it is a generating employment industry that currently supports more of 600,000 families and which could improve living conditions even more.

It seeks to attract $90 million in investment into protected areas

In addition, the Minister of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition, Sade Fritschi, also fills the agenda at Fituro 2024 in the quest to consolidate environmental and tourism initiatives in Ecuador. The Secretary of State indicated that the investment portfolio of Ecuador’s protected areas will be promoted. “We have 78 protected areas; However, we prioritize eleven, such as Yasuní, Cajas, Machalilla and Galapagos. We will promote infrastructure, we will bring in investments of approximately 90 million dollars,” said Minister Fritschi.

The business sector highlighted Ecuador’s participation in Fituro 2024. Holbach Muñeton, president of the National Federation of Provincial Tourism Chambers of Ecuador and the Provincial Tourism Chamber of Guayas, noted in his X bill: “There is no better time . Ecuador can be an example to the world of how to survive and get out of a situation like the one we are in. “Together we can do it.”

The record edition of Fitur 2024 starts in Madrid, and Ecuador is a partner country

Muñeton stated that it is a good time to go, to be and to be the host of Fituro 2024. “Ecuador is shining; Furthermore, it is an extraordinary place to communicate with the world: Ecuador is also present to discover the way to go in the fight against crime,” added the businessman.

For her part, Mónica Heller, president of the Quito Chamber of Commerce, believes that, despite the difficulties the country is going through, it is important to tell the world that Ecuador is still an “incredible” tourist destination. “That Ecuadorians are warm, that there are beautiful things to visit and get to know, and that there is safety,” said the host at the fairgrounds in Madrid.

Data for Fitur 2024

Record attendance: More than 250,000 people, professionals and the general public, are expected, who will be able to familiarize themselves with the diverse tourist offer on a global scale exhibited at the fair. This prediction exceeds 222,000 registered participants in 2023.

Growth of the fair: The fair presents 806 stands and 75,000 m² of fair space, 8% more international exhibitors than in the 2023 edition (I)