Expo Turismo Goiás closes its program with debates on the future of tourism

The 5th edition of Expo Turismo Goiás, which closes this Friday at 8:00 p.m. at the Goiânia Convention Center, has established itself as a space for generating business, learning, exchanging experiences, and professional development. The conference program addressed the main trends in tourism, with an emphasis on topics such as digital transformation, sustainability, market intelligence, new experiences for travelers, and the direction of tourism in the post-pandemic scenario, all aligned with this edition's theme: "Connecting Tourism with the Future."

Twenty-five conferences were given over the two days of the event, led by specialized professionals who shared success stories and strategic visions. The presentations reinforced the fair's role as a space for training and connecting the various segments of the tourism sector.

One of the highlights of the first day was the discussion on "Afrotourism and Community-Based Tourism." Adriano Paulino shared his experience in the city of Cavalcante (GO), which, according to 2022 IBGE data, is the third city in the country with the highest proportion of quilombolas. He explained that Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is coordinated by the community itself, which also receives all the resources generated by the activities. "Community-based tourism boosts the economy of families in the region," he stated.

Agnaldo Araújo, Municipal Secretary of Tourism and Economic Development of Alto Paraíso de Goiás, presented 12 emotional experiences available in the region's quilombola communities, ranging from crafts to gastronomy and nature activities, such as identifying medicinal plants and river diving. Rodrigo Neves, of the Zaltana Ecotourism agency, highlighted the potential of the TBC: "One of its principles is the cultural preservation of the communities, often of African descent. The future of Chapada dos Veadeiros, with its five quilombos, depends on community-based Afrotourism. There is great potential."

On the second day of the fair, behavioral coach Saulo Boccanera, with 28 years of experience in the sector, shared strategies for better time management, with the goal of increasing sales. "We need to understand what is urgent and what is a priority. Priority is planned. If everything is important and urgent, there is a lack of strategy and planning." He also highlighted the importance of taking care of the physical, mental, and emotional health of tourism professionals. "Working more doesn't mean selling more. You need to take care of your main sales tool: yourself."

Thais Medina, CEO of Business Factory, a tourism marketing and destination agency, sparked reflection by talking about strategy, planning, and producing content that generates interest and contributes to sales. "When someone wants to travel, they usually buy online. But when they look for a travel agency, they're looking for experiences, security, and transformation. We need communication with a cause. Marketing isn't just about advertising or strategy; it's about creating real connections that inspire and live long in people's memories."

To close the program, Daniel Turbox, an expert in innovation and artificial intelligence applied to tourism, gave the talk "Thinking with Artificial Intelligence." He demonstrated how AI can be used to delight customers, increase productivity, and differentiate companies in a competitive market. "Artificial intelligence is not here to replace travel agencies, but to enhance their talent. Those who understand people now have an ally who can also understand data, personalization, and delight on a massive scale."

Source: Business Factory.