Travel2Latam: The Business & Innovation space at Festuris is divided into different segmented islands, such as MICE, Technology and Innovation. How do these divisions impact participant engagement and which innovations do you believe will be the most disruptive in tourism in the coming years?
Marta Rossi: The space creates a dynamic environment that encourages participant engagement in a variety of ways. One of the highlights is the targeted networking that takes place in the segmented islands and allows participants to connect with people who have similar interests and goals, facilitating the exchange of ideas and the formation of partnerships.
We’ll also be highlighting inspiration and learning. The Tour House Content Stage will focus on innovation and technology, where attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest trends, which may inspire them to implement new practices in their own businesses.
The space focuses on technological innovations and allows participants to experience new tools and solutions in real time, increasing interaction and interest. And here I mention artificial intelligence, which will revolutionize the personalization of the customer experience. Virtual reality is also something that is expanding every year and offers immersive experiences that help in decision-making.
Digital sustainability is another point that I like to highlight, as it promotes sustainable practices in tourism, especially with apps that help travelers choose destinations, eco-friendly transportation options or sustainable accommodations. These innovations improve the tourist experience and help companies in the sector to become more efficient and competitive.
Travel2Latam: At the Green Experience Space. What sustainable practices and initiatives do you consider essential for the future of green tourism and how is Festuris encouraging this movement?
Marta Rossi: Green tourism is a reality that must be expanded. Companies are increasingly adopting ESG (Environmental, Social and Economic) measures, and that is great. We cannot escape this. And within Festuris, in addition to ESG practices, we highlight the Braztoa Sustainability Award, which has become a great incentive for sustainable practices. At the event, our way of encouraging participant engagement is by minimizing the use of paper and plastic, consciously disposing of and reusing materials used to set up booths, distributing tree seedlings and the Integration Tree project, which is when we plant an Araucaria tree in the outdoor area of the Trade Fair Center. And for the future of green tourism, I believe it is essential that companies invest in sustainable energy, such as the expansion of the use of solar energy (photovoltaic).
Travel2Latam: Espaço Luxury is now in its 9th edition. How do you evaluate the evolution of luxury tourism in Brazil and what differentiates the luxury experience offered by Festuris in relation to other events in the sector?
Marta Rossi: Cultural diversity and natural beauty are major tourist attractions, and Brazil is emerging as an attractive destination for travelers seeking unique experiences. In many Brazilian regions, cities and businesses have invested in high-standard infrastructure and services. The focus is increasingly on offering unique and personalized experiences, such as private tours, high-quality cuisine and cultural immersions, which go beyond simple accommodation.
The great advantage of this Space is that it offers exclusivity. It is a trade show within a trade show. All participants are carefully selected and business rounds are scheduled in advance, which is why we deliver time optimization, efficiency, business direction and connections. Those who seek this area have a strategy and the rate of successful negotiations is high precisely because of this format that brings together those with decision-making power.
Travel2Latam: The LGBT+ Space has been consolidated for 15 years at Festuris. How do you see the impact of this segment on Brazilian and international tourism, and how has Festuris contributed to the inclusion and growth of LGBT+ tourism?
Marta Rossi: It has already been proven that LGBTQIA+ tourists spend three times more than conventional tourists, and this has been increasingly noticed by brands and destinations. For 15 years, the LGBT+ Space has been a showcase for the latest in destinations and brands that embrace diversity, and this has impacted the growth in the promotion and marketing of these products, as FESTURIS is a trade fair aimed directly at those who sell these products. In addition, it sparks the interest of professionals who are not familiar with the LGBT+ tourism niche through a program of lectures and content to showcase the financial potential of this market and educate about the global trend of inclusion and diversity in tourism.
Travel2Latam: Organizing an event like Festuris involves major partnerships and sponsorships. What are the main difficulties and skills needed to attract sponsors, especially for the 36th edition?
Marta Rossi: Forming partnerships is essential to success. Within the necessary skills, we, as an event, focus our efforts on maintaining credibility and a strong relationship with each client. We try to understand the product and the client's profile in order to deliver what they are looking for. We need to be flexible and renew ourselves to create differentials that reflect a return on the brand and business for those who invest in Festuris.
Regarding difficulties, there are factors that imply them. And most of the time they are external factors. For example, in the government sphere there is the electoral factor, since the legislation imposes restrictions and resource contingency. But there are other factors such as the dollar and conflicts between nations that somehow end up preventing participation. And this year we also saw how much climate factors interfere, Rio Grande do Sul was hit by a historic flood and many municipalities that planned to be at Festuris are dedicating attention to their infrastructure.
Travel2Latam: The Dominican Republic is the guest of honor at the 36th edition of Festuris. What can participants expect from this partnership and how does Festuris choose the guest country for each edition?
Marta Rossi: The choice was made based on the country’s relationship with the fair. Festuris’ goal in identifying the Dominican Republic as the guest of honor for this edition is to recognize, value and give visibility to a partner destination. This is the third year that we have highlighted a destination as the guest of honor. The first was Argentina, and last year we recognized Uruguay, both of which have been involved in Festuris since the first editions.
We want to highlight the tropical Caribbean island, which has a very prosperous and ancient history with Festuris. Another highlight is that Brazilian travelers are consumers of the attractions of this destination.
Interview: Mary de Aquino.
Photo: Divulgação