Tourism targets

Betty Henderson ELCHE shone as a ‘Mediterranean Oasis’ at Madrid’s Fitur tourism fair which was held in the capital from Wednesday, January 18 to Sunday, January 22.

A huge delegation from the city’s tourism industry headed to Madrid for the five ­ day event which offered vital exposure to the national tourism industry as local tourism groups aim to expand their current outreach. The city’s slightly inland position means that the tourism industry hasn’t always been able to capitalise on beach tourism as other nearby destinations.

Guests at the fair learned more about the highlights on Elche’s calendar including the city’s festival days and its unique medieval attractions including three UNESCO heritage sites. al Spanish Handball Federation for its commitment to Orihuela to host, once again, the Arena 1000 Playas de Orihuela “this is great news for our city and for the dissemination of the practice of sport through events as attractive as this, a dynamic event of the territory, our municipality and our region.”

City mayor, Carlos González also shared his goals for the city to reach regional targets, in line with the Valencian Community including 15.5 per cent of its GDP coming from the tourism industry, which should also account for 18 per cent of employment in the city.

The mayor also thanked King Felipe and Queen Letizia for visiting Elche’s display at the fair and presented them with a gift.