After creating and directing five successful editions of the largest B2B LGBT+ tourism meeting in Latin America, executive Alex Bernardes takes a step forward and presents his new product, the LGBT+ Turismo Expo, to the market. The event, now independent, migrates from the capital of São Paulo to the Marvelous City and opens new fronts to reinforce its role ingenerating knowledge and reflection on the demands of this traveler profile.
The event's trip to Rio de Janeiro in 2022, with the presentation of the Secretaty of Tourism of the state of Rio de Janeiro (Setur-RJ) and TurisRio, places the meeting even more in the context of attracting the LGBT+ traveler, since the city and its beaches are known and appreciated attractions around the world. “Rio de Janeiro is the gateway for LGBT tourists in Brazil, but the city had never held a major professionalization event for the service chain. This brought us closer to the Secretary of Tourism of Rio de Janeiro and the conversations culminated in the change of city”, reveals Bernardes.
“The LGBT+ Turismo Expo that is coming to Rio de Janeiro shows the strength and importance of LGBT+ tourism. This is one of the hallmarks of Rio de Janeiro and reinforces our destination's commitment to welcoming people, welcoming diversity. Cariocas embrace all
their visitors, with all their characteristics, diversities, cultures, people from all over the world and the event reinforces our vocation for the state of Rio de Janeiro”, celebrated Sávio Neves, Secretary of State for Tourism of Rio de Janeiro.
The new event highlights the multiple possibilities added to the
axis of knowledge that consolidated the event. “This year's schedule goes beyond a forum, which led us to rename the meeting to highlight these changes,” he says. It is worth remembering that the LGBT+ Turismo Expo continues with the same objective, aimed at training tourism professionals through lectures, workshops, debates and successful cases. “The reflections help travel agents, operators, hoteliers and everyone who works in the industry to expand the scope of action, supporting the entire trade in the development of products and services aimed at LGBT+ tourists”, explains Bernardes.
The LGBT+ Turismo Expo will be held at Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, on July 26, with the expectation of receiving 450 participants – 20% more than in 2019, the last edition 100% in person. “The setting couldn't be better! In addition to the complete structure and privileged
location, the hotel is a member of IGLTA, fulfilling all the premises of the Association and Accor itself, which performs fantastic work within the segment”, he highlights.
Focus on trends - The event has always been known for bringing current data and trends to provoke reflections that have an impact on service, a premise that remains unchanged for the 2022 edition. The debates scheduled for this year include topics such as major events, seasonality and
employability. Check out!
Panel 1: Importance of LGBT+ tourists in major events;
Panel 2: LGBT+ tourism as an alternative for movement in low season;
Panel 3: LGBT+ employability in the tourism sector;
Panel 4: LGBT+ tourism in smaller destinations.
Special Lecture:
“How to be assertive in marketing to attract LGBT+ tourists”
Leandro Aragonez, IGLTA Global Partners Manager