More than 255,000 potential tourists were entertained by exhibitions of Filipino culture and tourism highlights during the 40th edition of the Feria Internacional de Turismo (FITUR) on 22-26 January 2020 at IFEMA, Madrid. Tinikling and other cultural dances, kundiman renditions, flair bartending featuring Don Papa Rum by Filipino champion bartender Dennis Barela Adiuba effortlessly lived up to the “It’s more fun in the Philippines” slogan, while Filipino dishes served to booth visitors provided a sampling of the legendary Filipino hospitality.
The Philippine delegation was headed by Consul General Adrian Cruz, with London-based DOT Tourism Attaché Gerardo Panga and Mr. Glen Agustin, head of DOT’s Office of Product & Marketing Development.
Consul General Cruz welcomed the delegation and thanked the DOT for sustaining its continuous presence in FITUR and for the vibrant presentations that were rendered for the duration of the tourism fair.
Spain is currently one of the Philippines’ best performing and key source markets in Europe. In 2018, Spanish travelers to the Philippines reached 44,130 (+19.42%). As of October 2019, outbound travel from Spain totalled 39,663 (+11%). The Philippines is the best performing country in terms of growth rate for Spanish travel to Southeast Asia.
On the weekend of 25-26 January 2020, the DOT also organized a consumer presentation at El Corte Ingles’ Callao, arguably the retail giant’s most prominent and visited branch. Philippine tourism banners were prominently displayed on LED screens on the store’s facade, visible to visitors passing by Madrid’s busiest streets.
Now on its 40th year, FITUR remains the biggest travel and tourism fair in Spain with a combined 165 countries and 11,000 tour operators participating annually. Over 250,000 people visit the fair each year, and is a highly-anticipated event by both professionals and consumers.