Minister Soria highlights the relationship between Africa and Spain at INVESTOUR and makes Spanish tourism know-how available to the countries of this continent

INVESTOUR, Africa – Spain

The Tourism Investment and Business Forum in Africa, held today at FITUR, brought together 380 participants from 52 countries, including 22 ministers from Africa and the Middle East, 50 Spanish organizations and companies and 10 international ones

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El Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, he highlighted today, at the inauguration of the 6th edition of INVESTOUR, relationship between Africa and Spain and has made available to the countries of this continent the contribution of knowledge and know-how from the Spanish tourism sector. INVESTOUR, Tourism Investment and Business Forum in Africa, The event, held within the framework of FITUR, brought together 380 participants from 52 countries today at the Madrid Trade Fair, including 22 ministers from Africa and the Middle East, 50 Spanish organizations and companies and 10 international (non-African) organizations and 175 African projects (70 of Spanish origin).

 

 

La 35th International Tourism Fair, FITUR 2015The event, organized by IFEMA, is being held at the Madrid Trade Fair from January 28 to February 1, and has the support of key players in the sector, including the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, and the companies and organizations represented on its Organizing Committee. The INVESTOUR program, jointly promoted by the UNWTO, FITUR, and Casa África, has established itself as a gateway for launching joint projects between Africa and the rest of the world in areas such as tourism investment, technological knowledge exchange, and training and sustainability initiatives.

 

At INVESTOUR, the Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism stated that tourism is becoming “one of the most dynamic activities in the world,” with growth rates that “will continue to rise in the coming years.” He pointed out that this growth opens up opportunities “not only for economies with a well-established tourism sector like Spain, but also for those that, like many African states, have made a firm and irreversible commitment to the tourism sector.”

 

Soria explained that Africa presents itself as “a collection of countries brimming with opportunities for Africans, but also for the rest of the world.” He indicated that, although the continent still suffers from problems and weaknesses that must be overcome, such as restrictions, imbalances, poverty, and conflicts, “its strengths are far more powerful.” “In Africa,” he emphasized, “reforms have been implemented that are on the right track, and some economies are already growing at rates exceeding 5%, 6%, and 7%. Disposable income levels are rising, and there is a young population with ambition, dreams, and projects.” The 1.100 billion tourists registered worldwide in 2014—a number projected to reach 1.800 billion by 2030—represent “an extraordinary opportunity for countries like Spain and also for African nations that are making a strong commitment to the tourism sector.” Furthermore, he assured that Spain is willing to contribute to African administrations the experience and knowledge that we have gained in the last 60 years in tourism and that has allowed us to achieve record figures now.”

 

54 tourist destinations with great potential

 

In his speech, the general director of Casa África, Luis PadrónPadrón highlighted Spain's "very strong" commitment to the African continent and congratulated Minister Soria on the 65 million tourists who visited Spain in 2014, a figure that "confirms the country" as an international leader and a global benchmark. Padrón pointed out that Africa represents 5% of global tourism, with approximately 56 million visitors and an annual increase of 6%. "Its tourism potential is as enormous as it is varied; and it is important that the continent not be considered as a single destination but as 54 distinct ones, each with its own unique characteristics," he added.

 

For his part, the president of IFEMA's Executive Committee, Luis Eduardo Cortés, highlighted the forum's importance in "fostering dialogue between African, Spanish, and international companies," and its key role "in establishing trade agreements." He also linked tourism to "the growth of other sectors such as health and business," two areas that "are expanding in Spain and in which our country already holds a significant position." He further emphasized the importance of cultural tourism and shopping tourism, two segments in which Madrid also excels.

 

 

 

 

The Director General of Casa África points out that Africa represents 5% of world tourism, with around 56 million visitors and an annual increase of 6%.

 

 

 

The Secretary-General of the UNWTO, Taleb Rifai, emphasized Spain's "strategic position with respect to Africa, due to its connection with Europe and Latin America." He stated that tourism is "the most important instrument that Africa can use to develop its potential and increase its competitiveness." In his view, the results for tourism worldwide in 2014 were very positive, with Africa growing by over 2%, despite the challenges it has faced, including the Ebola virus, the decline in income in some countries, and the water crisis. In total, 56 million international tourists arrived on the continent in 2014, compared to 26 million in 2000. And, although 134 million arrivals are projected by 2030, Rifai warned that there are still significant problems in Africa that need to be addressed, such as a lack of investment in infrastructure, poor air connectivity, visa difficulties, a certain lag in the use of technology, and a delay in marketing that presents a true image of Africa.

 

During the forum, a cooperation agreement was signed between the UNWTO and Casa África for the production of a publication on Tourism in Africa. Following this, a roundtable discussion was held on investment in human capital, highlighting the need for the public and private sectors to focus their efforts on improving the quality of service provided to tourists. It was also noted that this is often one of the main benefits of foreign direct investment in the tourism sector.

 

Another roundtable discussion focused on the impact of Africa's image on foreign direct investment in the tourism sector. It highlighted that while the region is experiencing rapid economic expansion and the potential of African tourism resources is undeniable, the continent's image still faces significant challenges. Africa is also attracting increasing levels of investment; however, the majority of foreign direct investment in Africa continues to flow into the oil, gas, and mining sectors. The panelists questioned whether tourism investment in the region is affected by Africa's image and perception. The day concluded with B2B business meetings, where each participant received an updated agenda tailored to their preferences.

 

First Conference on Shopping Tourism

 

Today, coinciding with the new section of FITUR SHOPPINGThe World Tourism Organization held the 1st International Conference on Shopping Tourism, which reflected the growing importance of this segment in the tourism sector and in the economy as a whole.

 

Among other events held today at FITUR, the ministerial round table organized by Casa Árabe and the UNWTO on “Tourism development policies and strategies in the Middle East and North Africa region” also stands out; as do the FITURTECH sessions “The Adventure of Tourism-The New World”; the FITURGREEN sessions-VI Sustainability and Tourism Forum; the FITUR HEALTH sessions; the Gay-LGBT sessions; and the KNOW HOW&EXPORT sessions-Smart Tourist Destinations.