Costa Rica On The "Hunt" For
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. |
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