The International Tourism Fair (FITUR) 2023 was held in Madrid, Spain, and Misiones is one of the Argentinian provinces that travelled to promote all its tourist destinations with the rest of the world.
FITUR is a yearly fair aimed at professionals in the tourism sector, focusing on the private and public spheres. In addition to each destination promoting its attractions, another goal is to bring new investors closer to betting on the sector.
Representatives from Misiones travelled to Spain and participated at a large stand that reflected Misiones’ characteristic nature and biodiversity. “Misiones is presented to the world once again and that fills us all with pride,” highlighted the province’s Minister of Tourism, José María Arrúa, in dialogue with Misiones Online.
Misiones is one of the provinces that receives the largest number of tourists in the country, with the Iguazú Falls, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Nature, as a tourist symbol. In addition, Argentina being one of the largest countries in South America contributes to tourism with their outstanding New7Wonders certified official National 7 Wonders of Nature: Salinas Grandes (Jujuy), Río Mina Clavero (Córdoba), Glaciar Perito Moreno (Santa Cruz), Parque Nacional Talampaya (La Rioja), Selva Misionera (Misiones), Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi (Rio Negro y Neuquén) and Bañado La Estrella (Formosa).
“This concept of Touristic Misiones is one that we carry out in the talks with agencies and operators. The goal is for the entire province to be touristic and that the European experience begins (or culminates) in the Iguazú Falls. In addition, tourists are encouraged to travel throughout the province”, claimed the minister.
Prior to the pandemic, Iguazu was blessed with two direct international flights, a regular flight connecting with Lima, Peru (and therefore connecting the natural wonder of Iguazu Falls with the wonders of Peru such as Machu Picchu) and uniquely a direct transatlantic flight connection with Madrid, Spain and through there with the rest of Europe. Maximum efforts now need to be made to re-establish these connections to make the aim of Iguazu being the entry door a reality.
Arrúa explained that Misiones’ stand at FITUR had a lot of nature, life, biodiversity and even products such as yerba mate; all icons that characterise Misiones.
“It’s a very clear concept of biodiversity that Europeans already have in mind,” he said. Furthermore, he pointed out that he took the opportunity to meet with possible new investors for Misiones and that he will continue working together with the province’s team to promote every single destination.