FITUR INFORMATION

The International Tourism Trade fair goes for green thanks to Fitur Green

The Trade Fair's new monographic section will include solutions designed to improve the energy efficiency of the hotel sector

The International Tourism Trade fair goes for green thanks to Fitur Green

The 30th edition of the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR), taking place in Madrid between 20 and 24 January 2010, will pay specific attention to the topic of sustainability in the hotel industry. The Trade Fair, organised by IFEMA, has created, jointly with the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Madrid Tourist Board, the monographic section FITUR GREEN, which will include proposals designed to promote rational energy use in the hotel sector. This initiative falls under the auspices of the European Hotel Energy Solutions project, which was conceived to respond to the growing phenomenon of climate change and its impact on tourism. Its aims include encouraging the application of renewable energy sources in accommodation for tourists in the European Union Hotel Energy Solutions is organised by the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Hotel & Restaurant Association; the European Renewable Energy Council and the French Environment and Energy Management Agency. Furthermore, the UNWTO is the executing bureau for the project.

In this context, FITUR GREEN will combine a conference, organised by the UNWTO, and an exhibition area. During the seminar, which will take place on Wednesday, 20 January, speakers will provide practical examples of establishments that are already achieving substantial energy savings. Experts will present technologies that reduce polluting emissions and optimise energy consumption. The savings achieved by using these devices will also be explained through real examples and, in general, the competitive benefits offered by clean energy sources for both the hotel business and destinations will also be addressed.

The speeches will be complemented with an exhibition space in Hall 10 at the Trade Fair, allowing professionals visiting FITUR to make direct contact with the main suppliers of these renewable energy production technologies.

The fact that Africa’s representation in FITUR increases with each edition reveals that the countries from this continent vouch on tourism to promote their development, and on the potential of Spain’s important outbound and investment markets. In this context, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Casa África and FITUR will organise the first INVESTOUR forum. In 2010 edition the guest region is the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the appointment is 21 January. Likewise, the UNWTO and FITUR, in collaboration with institutions like TURESPAÑA and SEGITUR, will draft a report about the characteristics of Spanish outbound tourism.

FITUR GREEN allows the International Tourism Trade Fair to draw attention to its desire to achieve a sustainable development of the sector, while boosting its role as an essential forum for learning about new trends in tourism. FITUR: 30 years committed to tourism.