The 43rd edition of FITUR, an International Tourism Fair, kicked off on 18th January in Madrid in Spain. The fair will last till January 22. With over 130 countries taking part in this edition, it is one of the biggest tourism fairs in the world. FITUR means Feria Internacional del Turismo.

Travel Industry

Based on UNWTO's forward-looking scenarios for 2023, international tourist arrivals could reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels this year. 

According to new data UNWTO, more than 900 million tourists travelled internationally in 2022 – double the number recorded in 2021 though still 63% of pre-pandemic levels. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact worldwide on the travel and tourism industry. India was no exception. Millions of people associated with the tourism sector became jobless post-COVID. Now with the COVID travel restrictions being relaxed, India understand that time is ripe for  its travel and tourism sector to look for opportunities to grow. FITUR offers the country a perfect opportunity to advance its tourism sector.  

Participation of Kerala Tourism

Kerala tourism is also participating in FITUR. The state is striving to regain international tourist footfalls after the pandemic-induced lull. 

Key Takeaways

The 43rd edition of this Madrid based fair was inaugurated by King Felipe VI of Spain.  
1st Global Tourism Investors’ Summit is being organized by the Ministry of Tourism between 10th – 12th April, 2023 in New Delhi on lines of India’s G20 Presidency.