Below, we highlight the main points of the interview
Growth and expectations exceeded
Kenia began by highlighting that Festuris ended the 2023 calendar with great success. The event is positioned as a stage for launching trends and new opportunities for 2024. "Our goal was achieved and we have already set the beginning of 2024 for this edition," he said.
She mentioned that the hard work of the team, together with the exhibitors, was essential for the success of the fair, which brought together professionals from various areas of tourism, with emphasis on the luxury segment and the Destination Wedding sector.
Luxury and Wedding Space Highlights
Coordinating the Luxury, Wedding and new luxury tourism areas of Visit Portugal, Kenia highlighted the diversity and relevance of the brands and destinations that participated in this exclusive area. “We created many connections and met the expectations of national and international participants,” she said. The area received buyers from several countries, including Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Spain and the United States.
The luxury sector at Festuris continues to grow, with an international share of 12% among tour operators and travel agencies. Kenia emphasized the importance of the business meetings, which were highly productive and organized with attention to the time and interests of exhibitors and buyers.
New developments in the luxury sector
The luxury area of Festuris brought several innovations this year. Among them, the participation of the destination Rio Grande do Norte, which presented its main luxury and boutique hotels for the first time at the event. Another highlight was the debut of Dubai at the event, with activations focused on luxury tourism.
In addition, Lídio Carraro winery, the official winery of Festuris, was responsible for a happy hour area, where two major events sponsored by important brands took place. One of them marked the resumption of flights from Brazil for the South Africa Air Race, and the other featured a closing toast that brought together all participants.
Exclusive experiences for participants
Espaço Luxury’s programming was not limited to business. Kenia shared about the exclusive experiences offered during the event, such as the reception at Garden Park and Hotel Chocolat, where guests were able to enjoy unique moments. "We closed the 8th edition of Espaço Luxury and the 5th edition of Espaço Wedding with our purpose achieved: connections", he reinforced.
The future of Festuris
Closing her participation, Kenia highlighted the importance of human capital and the connections that Festuris provides. For her, the event reflects the strength and credibility of the tourism industry, which moves the economy and connects the world. "We are already approaching the 36th edition and we thank all the participants who make this event possible", she concluded.
With a combination of innovation, business opportunities and exclusive experiences, Festuris remains consolidated as one of the main events in the tourism sector in Brazil and the world.
Festuris 2024
“The big difference at Espaço Luxury is its exclusivity; business is done by prior appointment. This gives Festuris a very professional format and ensures that those who come are qualified. This year, we have already recorded a 12% increase in new brands compared to last year. We have many exhibitors who have already been to Festuris in other editions and who now seek to be part of this high-end space,” says Kenia.
There are still a few days left until this year's Festuris, and Kenia confirms that the team is already looking ahead to next year's fair, when Espaço Luxury will be celebrating 10 years of activities and should see a big boost in the number of brands looking to prospect their business with the exclusivity that the environment offers. “We are already creating the desire in our exhibitors to be with us again next year,” she teases.
Nine years ago, when Espaço Luxury opened, there were seven companies prospecting their brands. Last year, there were 140, and projections for this year are to surpass this number.
Report: Mary de Aquino.
Photo: Divulgação.