The XXXI edition of the International Tourism Fair of Madrid, Fitur, opens its doors in an atmosphere of recovery in the sector, supported by the rebound of 6.7% of the movement of tourists worldwide in 2010 announced by the WTO.

The fair, which open tomorrow, Queen Sofia, with the presence of 10,500 companies from 166 countries, occupying an exhibition space of 75,000 square meters, down slightly from 2010, in 10 wards of the IFEMA fairground.

The data in this edition, the growth of 3% of business area and the return of large companies such as Iberia, Amadeus, Accor, Barcelo and National Atesa, after two years of absence.

Also present Globalia tour groups through its hotel chain, and Orizonia, with its new division of tour operators, called Smile.

It also welcomes the arrival Fitur 2011 for the first time in some destinations, such as Democratic Republic of Congo and Pakistan, as well as new official representation in New Zealand, Lebanon and South Africa.

A fact which also supports the growth of the participation of some international exhibitors is the increase in exhibition space of the Tourism Promotion Agency Central (CATA) of 24% compared to the last call.

In addition, the show demonstrates the growth of tourism in some emerging markets like Asia-Pacific, which increases its 4%, while Africa and the Middle East do 3%.

Then there is an increase of 8% of a market already well established as is the case in Europe.

Fitur open the season, which is considered a reflection of the sector’s prospects ahead of the coming months, and after two hard years marked by the crisis, held this year in a more positive and optimistic.

To encourage the influx of exhibitors, the organization has been frozen for the third consecutive year rates, in addition to applying a 10% discount for early payment, which will affect revenue.

Fitur paid 14 million euros, slightly below the previous year, and expects to generate revenues of between 160 and 180 million, thanks to the 200,000 visitors, the organizers expected.

This edition promises to be Fitur also the most interactive, as it has strengthened its presence in social networks, and his Facebook profile and presence on YouTube adds his web blog www.fitur.es collecting comments tourism professionals on current industry topics.

In order to encourage trading, LGBT Fitur opens, bringing together space programs aimed at lesbian, gay, homosexuals and transsexuals, one of the tourist market segments with the greatest potential for development.

This proposal is in addition to initiatives convened for the first time last year and, given its extraordinary host, is celebrating its second edition in 2011, Incoming Spain, the section of the exhibition dedicated to programs that promote Spain as a tourist destination.

In addition, returns Investour, a forum which is organized in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which aims to promote investments by Spanish companies in Africa to promote development through tourism, the most deprived areas.

Next to the WTO and the Madrid Tourist Board is organized Fitur Green space that combines the exhibition area with a conference to promote the establishment of more sustainable systems in tourist accommodation.

Between 19 and 23 January, Fitur scenario becomes the key to both professional and weekend public, aware of the latest trends in tourism, multiply your business and prepare your next vacation.