REPORT FROM MADRIDThe growth of the Asian sector in the international area of FITUR 2005 reflects the way in which this continent is leading the development in this industry…
REPORT FROM MADRIDThe growth of the Asian sector in the international area of FITUR 2005 reflects the way in which this continent is leading the development in this industry . Following the Tsunami tragedy, the past December 26th, seven of the worst affected nations (India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand) have confirmed their attendance at this edition of FITUR. For this reason, IFEMA has provided the necessary aid in order to facilitate their participation at FITUR 2005.
It is not the first time that FITUR shows its solidarity in similar circumstances. In 1999, FITUR provided aid to the countries affected by Hurricane Mitch in order to facilitate their attendance to the fair. These countries chose to participate in the fair so as to give evidence of their continuing capacity to receive tourists, precisely at a time when revenue from tourism activities was especially significant.
The countries affected by the Tsunami will evidently have both an important official and business presence at FITUR 2005.
INDIA
Undoubtedly, India is one of the seven countries with the greatest business participation. This demonstrates the interest shown by the business sector in this country to promote its tourism sector and to increase its business opportunities. There are over 20 stand-holding exhibiting companies as well as several other co-exhibitors. Likewise, India features the official representation of Goa Tourism.
The direct exhibitors in this country are: Best Western Spain Hotels, Cox & Kings (India) Pvt. Ltd, Creative Travel India, Divine International Tours, India tourism Paris, Travel Spirit International, Hans Plaza Hotel, Kerala Tourism, Sarovar Park Plaza, Indo Asia Tours (P) Ltd, Le Passage to India Tours&Travels Pvt., Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Dev. Corp., Mystic Tours Pvt. Ltd., Sita Incoming, Swagatam Tours & Travels Ltd, The Imperial, Trav Talk, The Park Hotels India, Travelite (India), U.P. Hotels Ltd, Yatrik.com Tours & Travel.
INDONESIA
Indonesia is officially represented at FITUR 2005 by the country´s Embassy, which will be accompanied by an important number of co-exhibiting companies as well as official bodies: Adventure Indonesia, Alila Bali, Hotel, Asean Tours & Travel, Bali Santika Tours & Travel, Bali Surya Wisata Catur, Bhara Tours & Travel, Indonesia, Ministry for Culture and Tourism, Indonesian Exposition, Java Traveler Indonesia, Lombok Sumbawa Promo, Meliá Bali Villa & Spa Resort, Minahasa Lagoo Dive & Tours, Nusa Dua Bali Convex, Siladen Resort & Spa, Sulawesi Norte, Dep. Culture and Tourism and Vila Ombak, Hotel
It also features two companies with stands, Asian Trails Thailand, that brings Asian Trails Indonesia and Sulawesi Adventures Tours as co-exhibitors.
MALAYSIA
Malaysia is represented at FITUR 2005 by the Malaysian Tourist Office.
MALDIVES
The Maldives are represented officially by the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board, bringing the following companies as co-exhibitors: AAA Hotels & Resorts, Capital Travels & Tours Pvt Ltd, Dream Scape Pvt Ltd, Interlink (Maldives) Pvt Ltd, Island Holidays Maldives Pvt Ltd, Island Tours, Sun Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd, Vista Company & Travel Services.
The tourism industry in the Maldives has grown considerably during the past 30 years. In the year 2003, the islands received a high number of Spanish tourists with a 22.5% growth with respect to the year 2002. Coral reefs and different fish species besides other features have turned the Maldives into a paradise destination for tourists.
MYANMAR
This country is represented at this new edition by several stand-holding exhibiting companies: Myanmar Gold, Adventure Myanmar Travel & Tours, Myanmar Voyages International Tourism Co and Asian Trails Thailand, accompanied by the co-exhibiting company Asian Trails Myanmar.
SRI LANKA
The Sri Lanka Tourism Board is the official body that represents this country stricken by the Tsunami. It is accompanied by the following companies: Airwing Tours (Pvt) Ltd., Ceylon Tours Ltd., Connaissance Holdings Ltd., Heritage Expeditions (Pvt) Ltd., Walkers Tours Ltd.
The figures obtained in the recent past have proven that the number of visitors to this country, both Spaniards as well as Europeans, has increased significantly. In this sense, Sri Lanka has invested in its promotion in Spain in the past years and has increased the size of its stand for this edition of FITUR 2005. This being proof that it continues opting for the Spanish market and to open its doors to international markets. The arrival of tourists to Sri Lanka is in part due to its exotic image, where elephants, masks, precious stones, jungles and Buddhism are its main attractions besides the areas that have been declared a Heritage of Mankind by Unesco.
THAILAND
The official body that represents this nation is the Tourism Office of Thailand, featuring Thai Airways International as a co-exhibitor. The stand-holding exhibiting company Asian Trails Thailand is also present, and its co-exhibitors: Asian Trails Cambodia, Asian Trails Spain, Asian Trails Indonesia, Asian Trails Myanmar, Asian Trails Vietnam.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
