FITUR-Madrid is one of the mos important international tourism fairs in the world. This year it included the participation of 170 countries, 13.300 companies and 81 thousand exponents from all around the planet. An estimated 250 thousand visitors, of which 150 thousand professionals of the sector, who traveled the 100 thousand square meters of fair grounds divided into pavilions from Africa, Asia-Pacífic, International Hotel Chains, European Union, North Africa, America, Near East, Spanish Entities and Organ- isms as well as FITUR Congresses.
On this occasion the award was granted by Virgin Holidays, an important wholesaler European company, highlighting the sustainability policy implemented by the country in tourism matters. On the other hand Travel Weekly magazine nominated Costa Rica among the best destinations in Central and South America. This designation is fruit of the judgment of over 120 thousand readers, all members of the US tourism industry through voting.
Costa Rica ended as a runner up within the category of Best Destination in Latin America, along with regional nations as Brazil, Peru, Belize and Argentina. Results will be disclosed in a special ceremony in the United States in December 2008. In the framework of Spain's International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in its edition number 28, our country was distinguished with the Prize for the Best Stand granted by the organization.
Costa Rica's design this year pictured our tropical forests. it was decorated with plants and foliage carried from our country to Spain; a hanging bridge was also staged.There was ample space to attend visitors and businessmen, facilitating business during the fair The prize is awarded to three representatives in the categories: autonomous communities and organisms; companies and countries.
In the latter the designation was for Costa Rica's ICT, Portugal and the Institute for Tourist Promotion from Argentina. For Mr Carlos Ricardo Benavides, Costa Rica's Minister of Tourism,
...these acknowledgments are the fruits of a joint effort developed by the Costa Rican Tourist Board (ICT) and the entrepreneurial sector.
