Posts Tagged “european tourists”

To face the effects of the world economic crisis on tourism in the country, tourism officials say they have their eyes on Europeans, especially Spanish tourists and as such will be on the hunt for them as a replacement to the dwindling number of American tourists.

The Cámara Nacional de Turismo de Costa Rica (Canatur) announced yesterday that it will take part in the Feria Internacional de Turismo Fitur 2009 being held in Madrid, Spain, beginning today and runs until February 1.

The recession in the United States has forced Costa Rican tourism officials to promote the country in other markets.

“In these times we cannot anymore trust the North American market, less be dependent on, for such we have strengthen our presence in the European market”, said Gonzalo Vargas, president of the Canatur.

Costa Rica will be sharing a spot in the Central American booth at the Fair. Each Central American country will have enough space to promote themselves separately from the others.

Joining Canatur at the Fitur 2009 fair will also be the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) - Costa Rican tourism ministry - as well as a number of private tourism operators, promoting tours, hotel and car rental services and travel agencies.

This is the 19th edition of Fitur and includes some 1.500 exhibitors from 170 countries.

FITUR is the leading tourism tradeshow for Spanish speaking world, it’s the key to doing business with Spain, Mediterranean Europe and well represented with buyers from Latin America.

During the 5 day fair, Madrid will turn into the world capital city for tourism.

Article thanks to Top10CostaRica