37th Festuris: Celso Guelfi, CEO of Global Travel Assistance, sees growth in national insurance and bets on unprecedented solutions for cruises

The strength of Festuris and the prestige of the local audience: with more than two decades of participation in Festuris, Celso Guelfi speaks of the fair with enthusiasm and reverence. The CEO and founder of Global Travel Assistance (GTA) highlights that the event, held in Gramado (RS), maintains a rare characteristic in the national scene: the strong engagement of the regional public.

“Festuris is one of the most prestigious trade fairs in the country, and I say that with certainty. People from Rio Grande do Sul participate and support the event. It's wonderful to see so many agencies from the state itself, from Santa Catarina and Paraná. This doesn't happen often at other trade fairs in Brazil,” Guelfi points out.

According to him, Gramado's favorable environment directly contributes to business. "The destination helps a lot. People like the city, they feel good, and this strengthens relationships and increases the effectiveness of professional meetings," he adds.

Awakening to domestic travel insurance

With the arrival of the holiday season, the executive observes a growing awareness among Brazilians regarding the importance of travel insurance within their own country.

“There’s a shift in mindset. People are understanding that insurance isn’t just for international travel. Health plans today are becoming increasingly regionalized—many only cover the city of origin and don’t cover emergencies outside of it,” explains Guelfi.

He points out that travel insurance offers a range of additional protections. "The insurance covers trip cancellation, repatriation, lost and delayed baggage, situations that health plans don't cover. It's both financial and emotional protection," he notes.

Although the cost is affordable, Guelfi emphasizes the value of the investment: “It’s not the price that matters, it’s the peace of mind it offers. Passengers are starting to realize this and are becoming aware that insurance is essential, even on short trips.”

Partnerships that strengthen the tourism ecosystem.

GTA has built its trajectory based on a solid principle: working side-by-side with the market. The company operates exclusively in the B2B model, directing its products to tour operators, travel agents, brokers, and comparison sites.

“We decided not to sell directly to the public. Our commitment is to reward those who reward us. The travel agent is the one who carries the message of insurance, who convinces the passenger that safety is as important as the destination and accommodation,” says Guelfi.

The executive sees the agent as a multiplier of awareness. “He is the forerunner who bridges the gap between the client and protection. Around 32% of travelers purchase insurance. This shows the size of the market we still have to conquer.”

For him, the ideal is for insurance to be seen as an integral part of the travel package. "When the tour operator includes insurance along with transportation, hotel, and meals, it completes the travel cycle. Security should be at the same level of priority," he argues.

Innovation for the open sea

In the cruise segment, GTA is once again ahead of the market. The company has launched an exclusive product aimed at this type of travel — a move that reinforces the brand's commitment to innovation.

“GTA was the first company to launch specific insurance for cruises, and now we are taking a new step with the Credit Card Medical, a virtual card created to solve one of the biggest challenges for those who embark on cruises: the immediate payment of medical expenses on board,” reveals Guelfi.

He explains that, in case of unforeseen events, such as a fracture, the passenger may incur expenses exceeding ten thousand dollars, an amount that needs to be paid before leaving the ship. “With the card, we analyze the case within 24 hours and make the amount available directly to the traveler's virtual credit. They pay the ship's hospital without having to pay upfront or wait for reimbursement,” he details.

According to Guelfi, the goal is to reduce passenger anxiety and eliminate practical barriers. “Innovating means putting the human being first. We want them to feel supported, on land or at sea, knowing that there is someone on the other side ready to help.”

The essence of a company is made up of people.

With the calm of someone who knows the sector intimately, Celso Guelfi concludes with a reflection on GTA's purpose.

"Travel insurance is more than a commercial transaction. It's about taking care of people when they need it most. It's about being there when everything goes off plan."

With 37 editions of Festuris and a consolidated trajectory, Guelfi's message resonates among agents, partners, and travelers: safety is synonymous with trust — and trust is the destination everyone seeks. Festuris took place from November 6th to 9th and presented the theme "Reimagining Tomorrow".

Reporting and photo: Mary de Aquino.