The fourth
edition of the
Investment and Tourism Business
Forum (INVESTOUR) addressed cooperation and
business opportunities between Spain and
Africa.
Celebrated
on the occasion of the MadridInternational
Tourism Fair (FITUR), INVESTOUR 2013 brought
together representatives from 33African
countries and over 50 Spanish entrepreneurs.
(FITUR, 31 January)
An
initiative of UNWTO, the Madrid Tourism Fair Institution
(IFEMA) and Casa Africa, INVESTOUR 2013 held under the theme ‘Tourism
Development in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities’ highlighted
some of the key competitive areas for tourism in the region – air
connectivity, investment, branding and product development. The B-2-B
session, which serves as a business platform for participants,
attracted over 50 Spanish companies to explore opportunities around
200 African tourism projects in areas such as hospitality,
transportation, education, know-how and infrastructure.
“Bringing
together the public and private sectors with potential international
partners, represents a unique opportunity to reinforce business
relations between Spain and Africa and advance sustainable
development in the continent”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb
Rifai, opening INVESTOUR. Against the backdrop of international
tourist arrivals growing by 6% in the region in 2012, the event took
place “in a moment in which Africa continues to strive in the
tourism map”, he added.
The
importance of the correct strategic planning in tourism to promote
Africa’s development was highlighted by the Minister of Tourism of
Benin, Jean Michel Abimbola. “The diversification of the economy is
the key to attract investment and preserve the millenarian’s
traditions through projects such as ecotourism and training”, he
said.
“Africa
is a destination and Africa is a market” said the
Minister of Tourism of South Africa, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, echoing
debates which underscored that in the current economic circumstances,
initiatives such as INVESTOUR can make a difference both in promoting
tourism development as well as in bringing new
opportunities to
companies in Europe.
In
closing the event, the Minister of Tourism of Senegal, Youssou
N’Dour, underscored that INVESTOUR is “a unique opportunity
for African countries to showcase their tourism potential
to Spanish investors and partners. Tourism is a sector that can make
a difference in our region, and therefore we will continue supporting
this important initiative in the future.”
Africa
is one of the fastest growing tourism regions in the world. Between
2000 and 2012, international tourist arrivals more than doubled (from
26 million to 52 million). By 2030, UNWTO forecasts this figure to
reach 134 million.