Several personalities from the sector were present, including Toni Sando, executive president of the 25 de Janeiro Foundation – São Paulo Convention and Visitors Bureau, Marcelo Freixo, president of Embratur and Jurema Monteiro, president of the Brazilian Association of Airlines (ABEAR).
During the press conference, Marcelo Freixo, president of Embratur, highlighted the importance of thinking of tourism as a political and economic driver for the country. "My role in tourism is political. The debate is necessary," said Freixo, who also emphasized the commitment to transform tourism into a lever for generating income and jobs in Brazil.
Freixo shared significant figures that demonstrate the growth of international tourism in the country. In the first six months of 2024, Brazil received more than 3.5 million international tourists, resulting in a total expenditure of 20.9 billion reais. These figures represent a growth of 21% compared to the same period in 2023. "The numbers are important, but thinking together is essential," Freixo emphasized, referring to the need for collaboration between entities in the sector.
The partnership between Embratur and Visite São Paulo was also celebrated by Roberto de Lucena, Secretary of Tourism and Travel for the State of São Paulo, who, in a video message, praised Freixo's leadership of Embratur and reinforced the commitment of the largest state in the country to international tourism.
In addition to the presentations, the event featured the launch of the "Stop Over São Paulo" program, an initiative that will allow foreign tourists to spend up to three days in the capital of São Paulo, contributing to the diversification of the tourist offer.
Bruno Reis, Embratur's new director of marketing, business and sustainability, also participated in the event, where he highlighted the importance of studying the market and competitors to improve the marketing of Brazilian tourism experiences. "It is essential to understand the tool and the partner to support the marketing of experiences offered by small businesses," said Reis, highlighting the need for a strategy focused on specific segments, such as LGBT tourism and Afrotourism.
Another highlight was the presentation of Embratur's international trade fair calendar, which includes events in countries such as Italy, Argentina, Paraguay, the United Kingdom and Spain. Participation in trade fairs such as FIT Latin America in Buenos Aires and World Travel Market in London is part of the strategy to expand Brazil's market share in strategic markets.
The event marked a significant step in the international promotion of Brazilian tourism, highlighting the collaboration between entities and the definition of strategies aimed at increasing the flow of foreign tourists and strengthening Brazil's image abroad.
Photo and report: Mary de Aquino.