FITUR is more than just a fair

(AZpress) Each January, Madrid becomes the global epicenter of tourism with the celebration of FITUR (International Tourism Fair), and 2025 will be no different. From January 22 to 26, IFEMA Madrid will be the venue where professionals, companies, and destinations from around the world gather to boost the tourism sector.
 
Because FITUR is not just a fair; it's a platform where the foundations of the tourism industry for the coming year are established. With more than 250,000 expected visitors and a direct economic impact estimated at 445 million euros, the fair positions itself as a fundamental pillar for trade and the promotion of tourism worldwide.
 
In its 45th edition, FITUR continues to evolve, focusing on crucial issues like technological innovation and sustainability. Initiatives such as FITURTechy and the FITURNEXT Observatory are spaces where the latest trends in technology applied to tourism and sustainable practices are discussed and showcased. This approach reflects the need to adapt to a market increasingly aware of its ecological and technological footprint.
 
As the leading fair for both inbound and outbound markets of Ibero-America, FITUR serves as a bridge between continents, particularly to promote collaboration and cultural and economic exchange between Spain and Latin America. In 2025, Brazil will be the partner country, highlighting its rich culture and biodiversity, which underscores the importance of FITUR as a forum for diversification and promotion of tourist destinations.
 
Business opportunities and networking
 
The fair is an unparalleled opportunity to generate business, establish contacts, and form strategic alliances. With 9,500 participating companies from 156 countries, FITUR provides a space where brands can showcase their innovations, tourist destinations can promote themselves, and sector professionals can update themselves with the latest trends and marketing strategies in tourism.
 
Additionally, FITUR also has a significant impact on Madrid's local economy. From hospitality to transportation, culture, and leisure, it drives multiple sectors of the city. It also positions Madrid and Spain as top-tier tourist destinations, enhancing the image and appeal of the Spain Brand and the Madrid Brand.
 
FITUR 2025 is more than just a fair; it's a statement of the vitality and adaptability of an industry that constantly evolves. In an increasingly connected world, events like FITUR are essential to maintaining and expanding the spirit of exploration and discovery.
 

“Life debt” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon): https://a.co/d/hono34C

Trump's battle against the Woke dictatorship begins

(AZpress) As soon as he took office for his second term as President of the United States, Donald Trump has initiated a series of executive actions in line with his campaign promise to reverse "woke" policies, which he labels as a "dictatorship" that had already spread in the United States under the previous president and is equally well-established in Europe.
 
This "woke dictatorship" promotes control (censorship) over social media and communication outlets, aligning them with the "official single thought"; it encourages illegal immigration; it promotes gender ideology with indoctrination even in schools, thus dynamiting traditional societal values; it instills a sense of guilt by blaming citizens for climate change to implement new economic models, especially in the energy sector; it attempts to erase nationalistic sentiment to create a multiracial and multicultural society devoid of its own values or identity; it tries to ruin national agriculture and livestock farming to make the country dependent on imports from third countries; etc.
 
Rarely, if ever, has a president signed more than 80 decrees on his first day in office in front of the media, demonstrating that his campaign promises were not empty but realities he put into motion as soon as he gained power.
 
These have been his first steps:
 
Illegal immigration.-
One of Trump's first acts was to sign an executive order to close the border with Mexico, deploying the military to strengthen border security. Additionally, there's an announcement of intentions to carry out the largest deportation in U.S. history, focusing on illegal immigrants and categorizing drug cartels as terrorist organizations. This approach aims not only to reduce illegal immigration but also to send a clear message about the country's immigration policy.
 
Gender policy.-
Trump has signed decrees to eliminate "gender ideology" within the federal government. This includes the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, as well as the prohibition of promoting LGTBIQ+ policies in schools and government departments. It has been specified that only two genders—male and female—will be recognized on official forms, marking a clear opposition to what has been called the "woke dictatorship."
 
Climate change.-
The president has announced the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement on climate change, as well as from the World Health Organization (WHO). This reflects his stance that climate change is a secondary concern and that environmental regulations limit economic development and citizen welfare. These actions are part of a broader effort to reverse many of those radical "green" policies.
 
Censorship on social media.-
Although no direct decrees on social media censorship have been specified in the first days of his term, Trump has promised to "restore freedom of speech." This implies future actions to limit the control digital platforms have over what is considered "single thought" or "acceptable discourse," a theme central to his first presidency and still a pillar of his anti-woke agenda.
 
Geographical renaming.-
To reinforce American nationalism, he has proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
 
Trade policy.-
To protect the national economy, he has mentioned the possibility of imposing tariffs on imports from other countries, especially from neighboring countries like Mexico and Canada.
 
These decrees and policies outline a clear agenda to dismantle the excesses of woke culture, aiming to restore "traditional values," thus offering a more conservative vision of American politics. This new Trump era has been dubbed the "common sense" era, always putting the defense of his country's citizens first.
 

An enthralling story of love, friendship and honor in the Olympic Games (2,600 years ago)
“Life debt” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon): https://a.co/d/hono34C

MANIFESTO

No, I am not like you. I would like you to understand that. When I write what I think, I don't intend for you to think the same. I am not trying to convince you of anything, nor do I want you to think like me. Nor do I claim to possess the truth. I simply like to express my opinion and share it, not to convince anyone but only to enrich the world with a bit more variety and stimulate others to think for themselves.
 
Therefore, do not bother to contradict me, nor try to convince me otherwise. Each person must think for themselves, and what they think should be their own truth, not necessarily the truth for others or the absolute truth. Think for yourself, do not let anyone influence you, but explore the world around you and explore others' opinions. Always follow your own path but without closing your eyes to the world of infinite opinions that surrounds you.
 
And among so many millions of different opinions, as many as there are human beings, do you believe that yours is the true one? Yes, it is true, but only for you. Therefore, never try to convince anyone, because everyone has their own truth, and that is the only true one for each individual of the human species.
 

“Life debt” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon): https://a.co/d/hono34C

These are the world political leaders invited by Donald Trump

(AZpress) For his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump has invited a selection of world political leaders. Here is the list of the invitees:
 
ARGENTINA - President Javier Milei.
BRAZIL - Former President Jair Bolsonaro (although he would need his passport, which was confiscated by the current Brazilian government, returned).
CHINA - Vice President Han Zheng, representing President Xi Jinping.
EL SALVADOR - President Nayib Bukele.
ECUADOR - President Daniel Noboa.
FRANCE - Leader of the Reconquête party, Érik Zemmour.
GEORGIA - Prime Minister Salomé Zurabishvili.
HUNGARY - Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
ISRAEL - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (although he has not confirmed his attendance).
ITALY - Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
SPAIN - The president of VOX and president of the European parliamentary group Patriots, Santiago Abascal.
VENEZUELA - Elected President Edmundo González Urrutia.
 

An enthralling story of love, friendship and honor in the Olympic Games (2,600 years ago)
“Life debt” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon): https://a.co/d/hono34C

The author of "Life debt"

Born in Madrid, Spain, in 1949, Vicente Fisac grew up in Daimiel, Ciudad Real, where he began writing stories at the tender age of eight and poetry at thirteen, under the special guidance of teachers Eloy Rada García (during his childhood) and Manuel Prieto Peromingo (during his adolescence). After studying advertising, he fully committed to the world of communication, where he developed his entire professional career at the helm of the Communication Department for various international organizations and companies. He initially worked for six years at Latino-Syntex Pharmaceuticals; after a brief stint at Bristol Myers Squibb, he joined a small national lab, Sociedad Ibérica de Estudios Terapéuticos Aplicados, where he worked for five years before moving to AstraZeneca Group, where he served for 24 years. Finally, he joined the Spanish Medical Association (OMC), where he worked for four years until his retirement.
 
His entry into AstraZeneca came in 1983 when he was hired by the agrochemical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) – the British part which later became AstraZeneca - represented in Spain at that time by Zeltia Agraria (a joint venture between the British company ICI and the Spanish company Zeltia). As Advertising Manager, he enhanced communication and actively participated in the transformation of the company, which soon became fully ICI and was renamed ICI-Zeltia. At ICI-Zeltia, he established a Press Office – previously nonexistent - and collaborated with the group's headquarters in Spain to boost communication across all business areas, implementing measures like "Communication Days" for all group companies and disseminating news about the group's activities to the media.
 
When ICI split into two independent companies in 1993, and its bioscience division was renamed Zeneca, he joined the pharmaceutical division, previously known as ICI-Farma in Spain, now Zeneca Pharma. Here, he established and led the Press Office, actively collaborating with the London headquarters to open up the company to society, sharing all its activities and achievements through transparent, open, accessible, and proactive communication policies, supported by Alfredo Rubín, president in Spain, and David Barnes, international CEO.
 
In 1998, with the merger of Astra and Zeneca, he was appointed as Country Communication Manager and directed the Press Office, which saw an increase in both staffing and budget under the leadership of the new Spanish president, Carlos Trias, who was aware of the informational openness era faced by the new global pharmaceutical group led by Tom McKillop, and incorporated him into the Executive Committee. In the following years, he conducted extensive communication work, issuing constant press releases, managing interviews, addressing media inquiries, organizing press conferences and press trips, resulting in over 2,000 news articles published annually about the company and its products in Spanish media.
 
He was part of international Communication Committees, working in teams with communication heads in other countries. He edited and directed the magazine "Información al Día," which had two monthly editions, one for all employees and another for doctors, journalists, and external collaborators, keeping it active for eight years (87 monthly issues) until he left the company.
 
He founded and led the digital health information newspaper "AZprensa," which he positioned as the second most-read digital health newspaper in Spain (with over 360,000 monthly visits) due to its credibility (in fact, it was the only case in history where a pharmaceutical company's information outlet included news from other pharmaceutical companies). Later, in his final professional phase at the Spanish Medical Association (OMC), he launched and directed the digital newspaper "Médicos y Pacientes."
 
He spoke at communication congresses (Aipet, Amifa, Fisalud, etc.) and conducted educational work through courses and master's programs in communication (Complutense University of Madrid, King Juan Carlos University of Madrid; Pharmaceutical Marketing Days; etc.). He was a founding member and treasurer of the Association of Communication Professionals in the Pharmaceutical Industry (ACOIF) and placed AstraZeneca among the top ranks for transparency in pharmaceutical companies. He was a member of the National Association of Health Journalists (ANIS), the Ibero-American Association of Specialized and Technical Journalists (AIPET), and the Communication Committee of Professional Union (UP). He authored numerous articles on Communication and Journalism. He has written various books on a wide range of topics (novels, history, communication, poetry, humor, etc.), all available on Amazon (eBook and print). He maintains blogs like:
"Diario AZprensa" - https://azpressnews.blogspot.com
"Palabras inefables" - https://palabrasinefables.blogspot.com
 
In 2005, he received numerous recognitions for his professional work. Notable among these were his second place as the best communication director and the most transparent lab by PR Noticias magazine, his selection among the top ten communication directors in the pharmaceutical industry by the Sanitaria 2000 editorial group, and his digital newspaper AZprensa being nominated as a finalist for "Best Health Initiative" at the 2005 Fundamed Awards, a project previously awarded as one of the best health initiatives by Diario Médico, the leading medical press newspaper. Finally, he was named "Personality of the Year" in health communication by PR Noticias in 2005. In May 2012, after his retirement, he received recognition for his work during his last professional stint at the Spanish Medical Association by the Communication Officers of Medical Colleges at their Seventh National Congress.

“Life debt” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon): https://a.co/d/hono34C

It takes us to Classical Greece 2,600 years ago

With more than 30 books published, the Spanish journalist and communicator Vicente Fisac, ​​presents “Life debt”, his first novel written in English.
Inspired by historical events, it takes us to Classical Greece 2,600 years ago to tell us an exciting story of love, friendship and honor, within the framework of the celebration of the Olympic Games.

 
Vicente Fisac (Madrid, Spain, 1949) has dedicated his entire life to Communication and Journalism.

“Life debt” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon): https://a.co/d/hono34C

The growing trend of greek and roman historical films

The fascination with Classical Antiquity, specifically ancient Greece and Rome, has resurged in the film industry, marking a new era of interest in historical epics. From the lavish productions of the 1950s and 60s to modern reinterpretations, cinema has found in the mythology and history of these civilizations an inexhaustible source of epic narratives, political intrigues, and iconic characters.
 
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in films and series focusing on the life and myths of Greeks and Romans. This interest can be attributed to several factors:
 
On one hand, technological advancements stand out; current technology allows for the recreation of settings and battles with unprecedented realism, adding impressive visual value to these stories. Films like "Troy" (2004) by Wolfgang Petersen have used special effects to recreate the legendary Trojan War with detail that was previously impossible.
 
Secondly, there has been a growing appetite for historical and cultural knowledge, driven by globalized education and access to information via the internet. Movies like "Gladiator" (2000) by Ridley Scott not only entertain but also serve as an entry point for studying Roman history.
 
Additionally, some modern directors seek new ways to tell ancient stories, adding layers of complexity to characters and exploring contemporary themes within a historical framework. "Ágora" (2009) by Alejandro Amenábar, for example, focuses on the figure of Hypatia of Alexandria, exploring themes of gender and science in late Rome.
 
These films do not just provide entertainment; they have a significant impact on education and popular culture. Many schools and teachers use these films as educational tools to introduce concepts of history, philosophy, and sciences from Antiquity.
 
However, this renaissance is not without criticism, as historical accuracy often leaves much to be desired. Creative liberties frequently distort historical facts to fit the narrative or entertainment needs. Even worse is the current obsession with racial mixing, which has led to the introduction of gender and ethnic biases into stories, thus distorting historical facts and leading new generations to confusion and ignorance.
 
But this trend of historical films about Greece and Rome shows no signs of fading. With each new production, layers are added to our understanding and appreciation of these civilizations, although there's always the need to remember that cinema is an art form, not a historical document. The key is to enjoy these epic narratives while fostering a critical spirit that leads us to explore beyond the screen to understand the true history and mythology of these ancient empires. For this, one must seek historical sources written before this century, where the obsession with distorting history has reached levels that border on the absurd, if we did not know that such actions are clearly intentional.
 

“Life debt” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon): https://a.co/d/hono34C

Classical Greece 2,600 years ago

The novel "Life Debt," will be published through Kindle Direct Publishing and available in Amazon. It draws its inspiration from historical events during Classical Greece, a period roughly 2,600 years ago. Here's what we can gather from available sources:
 
Historical Context and Inspiration: The novel seems to delve into the concept of debt, both literal and symbolic, during the Classical Greek period. This theme resonates with historical discussions around democracy, philosophy, and the societal structure of ancient Greece, where concepts like debt and citizenship were intricately linked. The notions of a “life debt” explore themes of honor, obligation, and the interplay between personal and civic responsibilities in a society where these concepts were foundational to the political and social order.
 
Themes and Narrative: Considering the historical backdrop, "Life Debt" might explore narratives around:
Economic and Social Debt: Reflecting on how debt influenced personal lives, politics, and even led to significant historical events.
Philosophical and Ethical Debates: Incorporating the teachings of philosophers, who might discuss the morality of debt or the obligations one has to society.
Historical Figures: Inspired by figures whose lives were marked by such debts or obligations.
Literary Style and Audience: Given its focus on historical events, the novel could adopt a style that blends historical fiction with contemporary storytelling, appealing to readers interested in Greek history, classical literature, or those who enjoy stories where historical events frame personal narratives.
 

The use of Kindle Direct Publishing suggests an accessible approach to reach a broad audience interested in niche historical fiction.
 
It’ll be here soom!
“Life debt” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon): https://a.co/d/hono34C

Bank holidays

Como este es mi blog y hago lo que quiero, voy a llamarlo en adelante  “AZpress” y voy a escribir en inglés. ¿Por qué lo hago? Muy sencillo: Porque me da la gana, porque ejerzo mi libertad y mi libre albedrío y porque además así doy ejemplo a otros para que también rompan su monotonía, su esclavitud, y se decidan a hacer lo que les de la gana.
 
Algún día explicaré la epopeya que supuso para mí el aprendizaje del inglés, pero eso será otro día. De momento me pongo a remodelar un poquito este blog y ya veréis la de sorpresas que vais a encontrar en él.
 
PD.- “Bank holidays” significa “festivos” y los festivos son esos días en que tenemos más tiempo libre para nosotros y para poder hacer lo que nos dé la gana.

BANK HOLIDAYS and AZPRESS

Since this is my blog and I do what I want, from now on I'm going to call it "AZpress" and I will write in English. Why am I doing this? Very simple: Because I feel like it, because I exercise my freedom and free will, and also because this way I set an example for others to break their monotony, their slavery, and decide to do what they feel like doing.
 
One day I will explain the epic journey that learning English was for me, but that will be another day. For now, I'll start remodeling this blog a bit, and you'll see the surprises you're going to find here.

 

“Biblioteca Fisac”: https://amzn.to/3sOO1Yq