The forthcoming staging of the International Tourism Trade Fair, FITUR 2014, will provide the setting for the presentation of the UNWTO Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism for the first time. These prestigious awards are granted each year by the UNWTO and their presentation at the trade fair clearly confirms the World Tourism Organisation's recognition of FITUR's importance. The ceremony will take place on 22 January, the first day of the trade show to be staged by IFEMA from 22 to 26 January 2014 at its facilities at FERIA DE MADRID.

Since the first Awards were granted in 2003, the UNWTO has recognised the contributions made to the field of tourism by experts, organisations (both public and private) and NGO's through innovative initiatives, especially those relating to communications within the tourist industry, the creation of revolutionary online management tools and the implementation of projects designed to combat poverty through the realm of tourism.

These awards constitute a key contribution to one of the objectives being pursued by the World Tourism Organisation, effectively promoting the industry as a means of achieving sustainable development and disseminating its achievements internationally through innovative know-how and initiatives.

Related News in Chinese: 2014西班牙国际旅游交易会将颁出世界旅游组织卓越奖和创新奖