The International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR), organized by the Feria de Madrid (IFEMA) convention center, was held from Jan. 18 to 22, one of the three major international tourism fairs in the world. The other two are the World Travel Market (WTM) in London and the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB) in Berlin. At this year's event in Madrid, some 9,672 companies -- organizations from every country, tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, transportation companies and all types of tourism-related businesses -- from 165 countries showcased their products and services to professional clients and to the public.



A year ahead of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, a total of 16 Korean companies and organizations, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Visit Korea committee, the PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the 2018 Olympic & Paralympic Games (POCOG), travel agencies and airlines, participated in FITUR 2017, advertising the variety of charms to be found in Korean tourism, including the Winter Olympics next year.









Students wearing taekwondo outfits showed off their amazing taekwondo moves to a great soundtrack. Many people cheered as they watched their kicks and punches. Not only taekwondo, but visitors were also able to see some modern dance and some makeup demonstrations. There were even some hands-on traditional Korean arts and crafts.





As the Olympics come back to Korea next year, interest in Korea is very high. Visitors to the trade fair were able to don a set of virtual reality goggles and experience virtual ski jumping, one of the Olympic winter sports. They were also able to keep some wonderful memories by taking photos with the two Olympic mascots, Soohorang and Bandabi.



The Korea booth was decorated with a beautiful snowscape and pictures of the sheep ranch in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do Province. The white color symbolized the natural beauty, and Korea was awarded the Best Booth Award among all the exhibitors.





At national pavilions divided up by continent, visitors were able to enjoy traditional arts and performances, and hold business consultations. The trade fair showcased high tech, health and shopping. Finally, FITUR 2017 closed its doors after receiving 245,000 visitors, six percent more than the prior year, showing a bright and positive future for the world's tourism industry.

By Kong JuHee
Korea.net Honorary Reporter
Photos: Kong JuHee, http://www.ifema.es/fitur_06/Informacion_general/Fichatecnica/index.htm

http://koreanetblog.blogspot.kr/2017/01/visit-korea-booth-at-spains-tourism.html