By Tony Paul

Venezuela received about 74,000 foreign visitors in January 2012, representing 33% growth over the number of people who came to the country in January of  last year, said Thursday the minister of tourism, Alexander Fleming.

In interview on Toda Venezuela, broadcast by Venezolana de Televisión, Fleming said January was very positive for them, even surpassing the expectations they had of a similar growth of 12%, 13% which was a result of 2011, but no, they had a growth of 33% in January 2012, which is close to 74,000 people.

This increase means that about 20,000 more foreigners visited Venezuela compared to same month of 2011.

Fleming highlighted the positive impact that the Bolivarian government policies have had on tourism, especially promotion strategies, audiovisual communications and proposals, as well as the country's participation in international tourism fairs.

This weekend we participated in the fair Emitt, Turkey, and Venezuela won the prize for best booth, in addition to the many awards we have, he said, while he reported that next week they will be participating in another Fair in Bogota.