The Government delegate to the Community of Madrid, Mercedes González, attended the presentation of the “Four-year Balance: Tourism in Transformation”, which took place this morning at the Turespaña stand of the International Tourism Fair, Fitur 2023. The event was led by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, and was also attended by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Reyes Maroto.
In his speech, Pedro Sánchez said that the tourism strategy of the Government of Spain, marked by the sustainability and digitalization of the sector, means that today "a new time for tourism" is being raised in Spain. He stressed that Spain has recovered nine out of ten foreign tourists compared to the figures prior to the covid-19 pandemic and that now its objective is to go "for the ten out of ten". "The figures cannot be more encouraging," said Sanchez, who said that 2022 will be remembered as the year of the recovery of tourism after the pandemic and that 2023 will be the "great boost" to this sector.
Sanchez also stressed that the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council, in the second half of this year, will help to show the "virtues" and "strengths" of Spain. It is a "unique opportunity to turn on that great focus and draw a new map" of the country and "tell" Spain "like never before, bringing the most relevant events and meetings to all the autonomous communities," he said.
In this sense, the President of the Government added that many cities are going to have the celebration of "important conferences and ministerial meetings" within the framework of this Presidency, so it is going to "take advantage" to "show the virtues of the country".
FITUR reaches this 2023 a record exhibition area, with 8 pavilions full, as well as the direct participation of holders of stands (755) that grows by 32% with respect to the last edition and up to 50% in terms of international participation. In terms of attendance forecasting, and in line with the very positive response of participation, a significant influx is expected, with figures that will exceed 120.00 professionals, and between 80 and 90 thousand visitors who will attend the weekend.
This will also correspond to FITUR’s capacity to generate a relevant economic injection for Madrid, with an estimated income of more than 400 million euros in the Region in sectors such as accommodation, transport, commerce or leisure and catering.