FITUR is the largest tourism trade fair in Spain. It is celebrated every year at IFEMA, Madrid, lasting five days between the months of January and February. This year 2010, it was celebrated between January 20^th-24^th. FITUR holds several different halls dedicated to cities, states and countries in the world. This year FITUR celebrated its thirtieth year of existence.

Everybody wants to be by FITUR although we live delicate moments in our economy: tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, transportation companies, official tourism boards, and us!.

The students of tourism (Tourist Information, Travel Agents and Hotel Management) of the school CIFP Escuela de Hostelería y Turismo de Gijón visited Madrid, from January 20^th to 22^nd. The students of Tourist Information were responsible for the trip and organized all the paperwork involved, besides they provided commentaries about downtown Madrid.

The on-foot tour around downtown Madrid consisted in a visit to the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Sabatini Gardens, Central Square, Sol Square, Prado Avenue with El Prado Museum and Thyssen Museum, and finally, Cibeles Square.

On Thursday 1/21/2010 we visited FITUR. There are so many things to see and to do there that I am going to give you six simple but obvious pieces of advice:

1. Get a detailed map of the halls and a daily schedule so you won’t loose any important meeting, give away or performance.

2. Be smart and make a list of the booths you want to see. Don’t waste your time, it is almost impossible to see everything in one day!.

3. Do not take loads of brochures or your back will hurt quickly. Pick the essential information and be good with the environment. Once at home, please, recycle the paper you don’t want to keep!.

4. Be polite, ask for information first and then ask for a free gift. Do not take the cap, pen or t-shirt first!.

5. Each country or state has a special day during the trade fair. That day, their booth is full of politicians, important people and the media. Don’t forget to take your camera with you, you never know if you will see that famous actor!.

6. Gastronomy is a very important touristic attractor. Nearly all the booths offer free tapas at lunch time. You don’t need to purchase food in the public restaurants or take it from home. You can eat for free!.

I have to admit that the trip to Madrid was well worth it. Thank you FITUR for such a great time!.

Greetings,

Manuel.