Minister of Environment, Tourism & Hospitality Industry, Honorable Priscah Mupfumira last week led a delegation to Madrid, Spain. It was for the International Tourism and Trade Fair (FITUR) which kicked off on the 23rd to the 27th of January 2019.
The Minister traveled with officials from her Ministry. That is the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and the Women in Tourism Chapter representatives.
“We would like to participate like other countries showcasing that Zimbabwe remains a safe must visit tourism Destination as already certified by various global surveys,” Mupfumira said.
Fears for safety in Zimbabwe have been raised. Due to the violence that took place two weeks ago with at least nine people reportedly died in the shutdown protests.
During FITUR, Zimbabwe will create awareness for destination Zimbabwe. Moreso, identify and attract new partners and distributors from the Spanish speaking market.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Acting Chief Executive, Givemore Chidzidzi said, “The Spanish market is on an upward growth trend with 2017 having recorded 12 583 tourist arrivals 41% increase from 8 950 arrivals in 2016.”
“Meanwhile the first 9 months of 2017 saw the country welcoming 8 303 arrivals from there while 10 478 arrivals were recorded in 2018 during the same period under review.”
“We are certain that 2019 will yield much more not only in the Spanish market but globally, given the various recent endorsements by media powerhouses such as Lonely Planet, National Geographic, The Telegraph and Frommers,” Chidzidzi remarked.
FITUR is a global meeting point for tourism professionals. A leading trade fair for inbound and outbound Ibero American markets.
The fair has grown by 8.3% and this year’s edition will be its biggest ever with the participation of 886 stand-holder exhibitors and more than 10,487 companies from 165 countries and regions.