Embratur President Vinicius Lummertz and the Embratur team welcome the group. Pictured are Elisabete Sorrentino and the international SPCVB team along with Diana Pomar, a CPTM representative, during WTM
Mutual cooperation between destinations is aimed at developing opportunities between Sao Paulo and Guadalajara.
From April 3 to 6, the Sao Paulo Convention & Visitors Bureau (SPCVB), with the support of the Brazilian Institute of Tourism (Embratur), concluded yet another stage in a partnership with the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau (OFVCGDL), to promote a visit to Sao Paulo by Mexican buyers and events organisers.
The visit was part of the planned initiative by the international division of SPCVB, supported by Embratur, which includes Mexican guests in its program to attract professionals to WTM Latin America with the aim of promoting Brazilian destinations. The promoter of WTM, Reed Exhibitions, assisted by including the group in its special hosted buyers program.
The group of professional events organizers from Mexico was accompanied by a Guadalajara representative, Rocio Lancaster – Commercial Manager of the OFVCGD, participating in an intense program in the city while also inspecting various other Brazilian destinations represented at WTM.
The comprehensive program designed by SPCVB included inspection visits to various member properties, including Tivoli Mofarrej – Sao Paulo, Unique, Sheraton Sao Paulo WTC, Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel, Pullman and Caesar Business Vila Olimpia. The group also enjoyed the city's cuisine at Terraco Italia and at Barbacoa Churrascaria – Itaim. At the Mercado Municipal, they tried the famous Mortadela Brasil sandwich. The tour which was led by Flavia Liz Di Paolo, visited the traditional districts of Higienopolis, Pacaembu and Vila Madalena, with highlights including Beco do Batman, and Trianon and Ibirapuera Parks. Flavia Liz – Personal Guide – Sao Paulo Specialist is the only luxury inbound tour operator company in Sao Paulo and was one of the sponsors of the project. The program concluded with a concert at Sala Sao Paulo. The visit was captured by photographer Gregory Grigoragi, with transportation sponsored by Shift Mobilidade Corporativa, CS Brazil and Azul Locadora. Sweet Brasil also provided chocolates.
"It was one of the most informative experiences I've had," commented Jose Sanchez, Sales Manager for Business Travel Consulting. "Sao Paulo has many qualities, and the some of the best impressions were created by the people who accompanied us, especially because of the cordiality, support and attention they showed us. They were very professional".
"The organisation's continual work of introducing Sao Paulo as a major player for events is strategically aimed at boosting tourism and Sao Paulo's economy, by finding new business, with both short- and long-term results," explains Toni Sando, CEO of SPCVB.
Participants:
- Jose Sanchez, Sales Manager at BTC – Business Travel Consulting
- Adriana Zaldivar, Association Sales at Turismo y Convenciones
- Jesus Aparicio, General Director – CEO at Eventia
- Alicia Garcia Cardenas, General Director at Interticket
- Alfredo Gutierrez Medina, General Director at Anfitriones
- Rocio Lancaster, Commercial Manager of the OFVC of Guadalajara
The partnership
In 2016, the SPCVB and the OFVCGDL signed a mutual cooperation agreement to develop opportunities between the cities of Sao Paulo and Guadalajara. The agreement is aimed at taking advantage of the similarity of these destinations. Both are important economic centers in their countries, leaders in the events and conventions sector in Latin America and business centres. They both depend on a strong regional market. The international activities of companies were taken into account when considering the professionals taking part in the initiative and strict criteria were applied by both organizations.
As the next stage of the initiative, set for September, Brazilian buyers will visit Guadalajara.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
