Nepal participated in the FITUR fair 2007 being held at Faire de Madrid in Madrid, Spain from 31st January to 4th of February 2007 under the aegis of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA). FITUR 2007 kicked off from Wednesday 31st Jan 2007 formally and was inaugurated by the Queen of Spain, Her Royal Highness Queen Sophia.
NTB stall interacted with tour operators, media personnel and visitors and provided brochures and CDs and made DVD presentation based on the theme of "Naturally Nepal Once is not enough". Nepal stall also provided tour packages and travel information with the onset of local holidays and Seasonal holidays.
It was a good opportunity for the Nepalese travel trade companies to promote Nepal at fair as almost everybody visiting the fair knew about the improved political situation about Nepal and the end of Maoist insurgency. They seemed very much positive about visiting the country as well. A large number of press people and media also showed their interest in coming to Nepal and featuring Nepal as one of the upcoming holiday destinations for the Spanish travelers.
FITUR 2007 participation was organized by Nepal Tourism Board jointly with Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) and 8 travel trade companies from Nepal. The participants are: Mr. Anil Pathak, General Manager-Soaltee Crown Plaza, Mr. Bhupendra Man Pradhan, MD-Vista Travels and Tours, Mr. Chandra Niraula, MD-Independent Himalayan Adventure, Mr. Anil Agarwal, MD-Nebuti Travels and Tours, Mr. Hira Dhamala, MD-Karnali Excursions, Mr, Shree Man Pradhan,MD-Insight Travels and Tours, Mr. Ganesh Nuepane, MD-Monterosa Treks and Expedition and Mr. Bhagirath Pratap Singha, GM-Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure. Mr. Sarbottam Lal Shrestha and Dr. Hari Sarmah represented NATTA whereas NTB was represented by Ms. Shradha Shrestha-Oficer Tourism Marketing & Promotion and Mr. Samir Bajracharya-Senior Officer, IT.
FITUR is one of the biggest travel exhibitions in Europe catering to the global tourism as well as the Spanish market. FITUR 2007 celebrated the 27th year of FITUR fair commencement. There are a total of 845 exhibitors from 170 countries exhibiting their products in the fair. The FITUR organizers claimed an increase of 10% in the exhibitor participation in. It is expected that around 150000 individuals including trade professionals as well as local consumers will visit the fair.
