The launch of WTM Latin America, the main B2B event in the travel and tourism segment of the Latin American continent, focused on business generation and relationship opportunities for exhibitors, buyers and professionals in the sector.

Luciane Leite, director of WTM Latin America, welcomed the other authorities and stressed the importance of tourism professionals for the business. The executive also thanked the presence of partners in the event, commented on the challenges that drive the work of WTM Latin America and presented the news that participants will find in the pavilions during these three days.

“Each of us is a unique visitor and there are those who say that the fair market suffers and will end. Will not. The market will grow even more and we know that even with all the technology used, face-to-face is still essential “, reinforces Luciane.

For Fernando Fischer, President of the Reed Exhibition Alcantara Machado, “tourism is the industry that most represents everything that we can be as a country. Reed Exhibitions has made a very wise and thoughtful decision to invest in the right people, knowing that professionals will serve our customers in a differentiated way, “concludes the executive.

Authorities of the national and international tourism trade were present at the opening ceremony of the event, held in the Networking Area, a space destined to important events of WTM Latin America.

Among the special guests who honored the stage were the Minister of Tourism, Marx Beltrão, who reinforced the importance of the segment for the market as a whole. “In every event, like WTM Latin America, we see the renewal and technological innovation of the area and tourism is a very competitive market in this scenario. Therefore, events allow all tourism players to invest in innovation, which brings many advances in tourism in our country and in South America. ”

Vinícius Lummertz, President of Embratur, also commented on the relevance of the event for the sector. “WTM Latin America is clearly a consolidated event, responsible for mobilizing knowledge, and in which the most important tourism agents of the Brazilian market are present. An event of this size will generate important benefits for a sector of the economy that represents 8% of the Brazilian GDP, generating more than 8 million jobs. The importance of this type of event goes beyond business, as it affects the country as a whole. ”

Another official present, Fabrício Cobra Arbex, Secretary of State for Tourism, represented the State Governor, Geraldo Alckmin, and commented: “Brazil enters the survey of 140 countries as the first with potential natural attractions and the eighth placed in cultural attractions. But at the same time, the country is in 137th place to do business. This is the obstacle that prevents our country from taking off in tourism. We need to have a national policy in which tourism is a priority, “says Arbex.

According to Carlos Alexandre Jorge da Costa, Foreign Trade Director of the National Development Bank (BNDES), “tourism is now one of BNDES priorities. The main focus of the productive sector is to modernize our country and generate value and employment, highlighting the country in the international scenario – not only as a country that is a leader in commodities but also a leader in value-added activities. Perhaps tourism is a symbol of this Brazil, which we want to build. ”

According to Charlie Cracknell, Senior Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions, “The number of people coming to the fair has grown year after year, which is fantastic. We are the reflection of the market. The market is definitely catching up. We are very positive with WTM Latin America 2018. ”

“Tourism is one of the largest segments we have in the event portfolio. With 22 subdivisions covering the globe – leisure, MICE, luxury, business among many others – we encompass all aspects of the industry. That is, we understand, discuss, listen and so we can design and customize our events, “Cracknell adds.

Photo: Press Release