Brazil will be the guest country at this year's Latin American International Tourism Fair (FIT), and the delegation from that country is preparing new features for its participation in the traditional event. FIT is one of the largest meetings of the tourism sector on the continent, and will take place from September 28 to October 1 at the La Rural de Palermo grounds, with the participation of 40 countries and all Argentine provinces.
As a guest country, Brazil will not only have a leading role in the opening of FIT, but will also have a larger space at the fairgrounds to showcase its distinctive image, the diversity of its destinations, the richness of its cultural events and the new things it has in store for the summer, with sustainability as its premise. Some of the attractions that will be highlighted during the event will be Muro Alto (Pernambuco), Praia do Forte (Bahia), Búzios (Rio de Janeiro), Florianópolis (Santa Catarina) and Gramado (Rio Grande do Sul), among many others.
"Brazil being the country honoured at FIT is a unique opportunity to present new destinations to the largest source market for international tourists to our country. Initiatives such as this are part of an international promotion strategy that has been developed by the Ministry of Tourism, together with Embratur, to increasingly increase the number of foreign tourists in Brazil, so that we can reach the historic figure of seven million international visitors this year," said the Minister of Tourism of Brazil, Celso Sabino.
According to Marcelo Freixo, president of the Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion (Embratur), it is an honor to be the guest country of FIT 2024 in Argentina, the main source of international tourists to Brazil. "The constant presence of Argentines in Brazil and Brazilians in Argentina renews our bonds of brotherhood every year. No other people know our tourist destinations so well and that is why we will show a Brazil beyond the obvious, new destinations and experiences rich in nature, culture, gastronomy, and many opportunities to live unforgettable moments," said the official, who will be part of the Brazilian delegation that will participate in FIT.
“Brazil's participation as a guest country in the next edition of the FIT in Argentina reflects the importance of tourism for the bilateral relationship, highlighting that tourism exchange drives economic growth, job creation and the development of both countries. In addition to promoting a culture of friendship and mutual understanding, it brings peoples together and contributes to consolidating the historic and strategic alliance between Brazil and Argentina. The Brazilian Embassy is proud to participate in the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism, Embratur and the state and municipal secretariats so that Brazil continues to be the main tourist destination for Argentines,” highlighted the Brazilian ambassador to Argentina, Julio Glinternick Bitelli.
“We are proud to highlight Brazil as a guest country in this edition of FIT, as it is a sister country, the main destination for tourist exchange with Argentina and a historical reference for FIT. Patagonia, the City of Buenos Aires, the north of our country, the Perito Moreno Glacier, among other attractions, are destinations that attract a huge flow of Brazilian tourists. This year, Brazil's participation will be even more prominent, making all its tourist attractions available,” said Andrés Deyá, president of FIT.
Argentina is the largest source of tourists to Brazil
Argentina is the main source market for tourists to Brazil. From January to June 2024, Brazil received nearly 1.2 million Argentine tourists, mainly through land borders. The main demand of Argentine tourists going to Brazil is sun and beach destinations, followed by culture and gastronomy. One of Embratur's priorities is to expand air connectivity between both countries.
Currently, there are 12 companies operating direct flights from Argentina to cities in the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Bahia, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Distrito Federal, Ceará, Pernambuco, Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Norte. Authorities forecast that 2024 will end with a 22% increase in the supply of air seats between Brazil and Argentina, some 2.5 million seats. Direct flights are scheduled to open this summer from Buenos Aires to Porto Seguro and Curitiba, from Córdoba to Florianópolis and Salvador de Bahía, and from Rosario to Florianópolis and Rio de Janeiro.
Embratur is the state agency responsible for promoting international tourism in Brazil and will be in charge of the Brazilian stand at FIT 2024, in partnership with the Brazilian Service for Support to Micro and Small Enterprises (Sebrae). The objective of participating in the fair is to show all professionals in the tourism sector and the general public the wide variety and beauty of Brazilian tourist destinations.
Source: Visit Brasil.