The potential of tourism in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region will be examined during the International Tourism Fair in Spain (FITUR), taking place from January 18 to 22 in Madrid.

A ministerial discussion forum jointly organised by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Casa Árabe will focus on sustaining growth and strengthening the resilience of tourism in the Mena region.

Meanwhile, more than 20 ministers of tourism from Africa will debate the opportunities that the sector can bring to the continent at the fair.

The fair comprises a number of events organised by UNWTO. Activities will have a special focus on sustainable tourism, including the official presentation of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017 on January 18.

UNWTO has prepared a number of events to be held at FITUR, starting with the presentation of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017.

Also on January 18, the 13th edition of the UNWTO Awards on Innovation and Excellence in Tourism will commend some of the best examples of sustainable tourism around the world. Preceding the ceremony on January 16, the Awards Forum will serve to present the 12 projects shortlisted from 139 initiatives that were received from 55 countries. - TradeArabia News Service