The local tourism industry in the region of Valencia is highly competitive, and in recent years has become one of the top sectors in local Valencian economy. On the other hand, with over 85 years experience in organising trade events, Feria Valencia is the veteran exhibition centre in Spain.

Also worth underscoring is a series of recent events in the city that have heightened Valencia's profile worldwide. These include the visit to the city of Pope Benedict XVI or the Louis Vuitton regattas held since 2004, building up to the big challenge: the 32nd America's Cup, held concurrently with the Formula 1 European Gran Prix and the Volvo Ocean Race in Alicante. Besides, in November 2009, the city will hold the Valencia Open 500 tennis championship in the new Agora building: sure to be one of the most spectacular tournaments on the ATP circuit.

TCV came about as a response to the need to transmit to the general public that the tourism industry is the driving motor of our local economy. For this reason, the Contract Market will be bringing together sellers and buyers both from Spain itself and much further afield. We want to make this fair a must-visit event for the whole tourism industry.

If we consider the fact that Spain is the second country in the world in terms of numbers of tourists received, and that the region of Valencia is the third region in Spain we can get some idea of the existing demand for this fair.

Therefore TCV is a key showcase to promote one of the leading economic sectors which grows year after year in volume of sales and generates huge wealth for the region of Valencia. The tourism industry currently accounts for 13.8% of the GDP of the Valencian Community.