From January 18 to 22, thirty-five tourism companies from Costa Rica will participate in the FITUR 2023 International Tourism Fair, one of the main business events in the tourism sector in the world, at the IFEMA fairgrounds in Madrid, Spain. The forty-third edition of FITUR has the motto “We take care of the world. We are tourism" and the organizers have defined it as "the first great experience of safe international mobility", with more than 8,500 participating companies from 131 countries on five continents.
"FITUR is the first major showcase of the year that allows us to continue promoting and consolidating the position of Costa Rica as the ideal destination to live unique experiences, a country committed to sustainability and that offers travelers multiple options for leisure, gastronomy and culture" , indicated William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism.
In Madrid, the chief participates in various events such as the opening ceremony and official tour of the forty-third edition of FITUR, which was attended by King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia Ortiz, as well as the "XXVI Ibero-American Conference of Ministers and tourism entrepreneurs. Together with the above, it will participate in the official award ceremony for Costa Rica as a "Sustainable International Destination", awarded by Viajar Magazine the previous December, as well as between strategic meetings with airlines, tour operators and international press.
In total, 131 countries and 755 exhibitors at stands located in eight pavilions participate in FITUR 2023, the presence of 120,000 professionals and between 80,000 and 90,000 visitors are expected, eager to receive information on destinations, activities to be carried out, trends in trip, among other topics, being the first edition of FITUR without the restrictions established in the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the organization, international participation rose 50% compared to last year and that of Latin American exhibitors grew 15% compared to the 2020 edition.
Costa Rica demonstrates environmental commitment
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute offset the carbon footprint of all the flights of the Costa Rican businessmen participating in FITUR 2023, a fair held in Madrid. The compensation of emissions also included that related to the transport of materials, for the construction of the Costa Rican exhibition space. Through an alliance with MINAE's National Forestry Financing Fund (Fonafifo), ICT has remained active in generating financial resources for the Costa Rican Payment for Environmental Services Program to finance forest restoration activities in areas of tourist importance. The amount of compensation of 1,113.74 dollars adds to other resources that seek to contribute to the country's goal of 60% forest cover.
Costa Rica will also present at FITUR its new National Tourism Plan 2022-2027, supported by the renowned Costa Rican tourism development model, as well as the agreement signed on November 15, 2022 between the ICT, Correos de Costa Rica and Mastercard that seeks benefit the work and marketing of products made by Costa Rican artisans of the “Crafts with Identity Program”, as “Innovation Projects”. Finally, during FITUR, the Costa Rican Accessible Tourism Network of Costa Rica will sign two agreements with San Luis Potosí, Mexico and the Federation of Chambers of Tourism of Central America (FEDECATUR) for the development of more alternatives for a more universal tourism for travelers .
During 2022, a total of 53,217 Spanish tourists visited us by air, with Spain being the fourth source market for travelers from Europe, supported by the offer of direct flights to Costa Rica offered by Iberia and Iberojet airlines.
Costa Rican companies participating in FITUR 2023: Costa Rican Trails, Panorama Tours/Costa Rica, Arenal Hanging Bridges, Místico Park, Hover Tours Costa Rica, Asuaire Travel, Il Viaggio Travel, Travel Excellence, Swiss Travel, Unique Adventures, ARA Tours, MTA Costa Rica, Destination Services Costa Rica, Aventuras Tierra Verde, Cast Central America, Best of Costa Rica Tour Operator & DMC, Ecogetaways Travel, Meridianos Travel Agency, W Costa Rica, Laguna Lodge Tortuguero, The Westin Reserva Conchal, Adobe Rent a car, Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín, Studio Hotel Boutique, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, Hotel Radisson San José, Costa Rica, Amigo Rent a Car Costa Rica, Alamo Rent a Car, National Car Rental & Enterprise Rent a Car, Hotel Parador Nature Resort & Spa, Guanacaste , Costa Rica, Hotel San Bada Resort & Spa, PACHIRA GROUP,Marriott Hotels Costa Rica, Hotel Fiesta Resort & Vacation Club, Grupo Marta, Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge and Costa Rent a Car. The National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) and the Proimagen-Futuropa Association will also be present.