
The 17th Flores da Cunha Tourism Trade Meeting took place on the evening of Tuesday (29) at Monte Reale Winery. The event brought together local authorities, entrepreneurs, and tourism professionals to discuss strategies for developing and strengthening the city’s tourism industry.
The keynote address was delivered by Gramado-based entrepreneur Eduardo Zorzanello, a nationally recognized tourism leader and co-CEO of Festuris – International Tourism Festival of Gramado, alongside Marta Rossi.
Zorzanello shared the story of Gramado’s transformation and the key elements that turned it into one of Brazil’s leading tourist destinations. He emphasized topics such as local identity, service excellence, and authenticity as cornerstones for sustainable tourism growth. He also answered questions from the audience and offered tailored insights to local entrepreneurs and managers.
“The key is valuing what makes a city unique. Visitors want authentic experiences connected to local culture and history. Flores da Cunha has everything it needs to stand out even more. It’s a reference in wine culture — and wine tourism is a powerful product that will only boost the city’s visibility as a destination,” said Zorzanello.
Host Giovanni Giotto, winemaker at Monte Reale, opened the evening by presenting the winery’s contributions to the local tourism scene and reinforcing its role in promoting regional wine events. He also highlighted tourism's importance for the city’s economic and cultural development.
Mayor César Ulian praised the initiative and emphasized the event’s contribution to enhancing the local tourism sector’s quality.
“We are continually investing in the professionalization of our tourism industry. Events like this one solidify our position as a welcoming destination rich in natural beauty, history, and culture,” he said.
Tourism Secretary Tiago Centenaro led the meeting, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to training and fostering collaboration among local businesses. The event underscored the unity between government, private sector, and community — an evening of inspiration, knowledge-sharing, and a strong reminder of Flores da Cunha’s tourism potential.