The Northeast showed a 30% increase in the number of international flights in the month of March, compared to the same period last year. This is what Rafael Felismino, Strategic Management Advisor for Embratur (Brazilian Tourism Institute), told Folha de S.Paulo’s “Future Forum of the Northeast”, held in Fortaleza on Thursday (22). However, the percentage corresponds to only 5% of the flights departing to other regions of the Country.

“This region has a natural vocation for tourism, not only for its natural beauties and rich culture, but also for its hard-working and hospitable people. Geographic location privileges the Northeast, which is only a few hours away from important tourist-sending countries in Europe and “We need to overcome challenges, improve structures and equipment, qualify services and increase our air connectivity,” commented Felismino.

According to the adviser of Embratur, it is necessary to improve the qualification of services and equipment, which still hinder the attraction of international tourists. “Our hotels, parks, urban centers and beaches need more qualification so that they can satisfactorily deliver services to the most demanding tourist. Qualifying professionals in another language is still a challenge for Brazil,” he warned.

Rafael Felismino also lists as internal challenge the transformation of Embratur into an agency in the mold of Sebrae and the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (Apex). “The appeal for international promotion is scarce. We will leave the Union budget and we will be able to raise funds from the private initiative,” he added.

Embratur works in partnership with companies, aiming to improve air connectivity to Brazil, focusing on destination diversification and cost reduction. “The example of Ceará, which has worked hard in international promotion and expansion of the air network, with the capture of the AirFrance / KLM / Gol hub, should be followed by other states in the region, “the Embratur representative told the seminar.

The event, which was attended by leaders of the national tourism trade, discussed problems and solutions related to the Northeast Region, in areas such as industrial production, technology, energy, logistics infrastructure and tourism.

Photo: Keiny Andrade / Folhapress