The tourism of the future has smell, taste, and affection. It is, therefore, an asset that offers unique experiences, preserving the essence of the destination and the stories that shaped it. These were some of the aspects brought up by the speakers on the first day of Meeting Festuris, Gramado International Tourism Fair, which began its program on Friday morning (7), at Serra Park.
Before an audience of more than 800 people, architect and urban planner specializing in art history Leônidas Oliveira and Rio Grande do Sul Secretary of Tourism Ronaldo Santini presented their perspectives on the sustainable development of tourist destinations, in line with this year's event theme: Reimagining Tomorrow. Both highlighted the importance of offering profound experiences. “To travel is to understand and give meaning to your existence based on the experience of your trip,” said Oliveira.
Inviting the audience to sing along to Daniel Torres' song Vida no Sul (Life in the South), Secretary Santini presented the prospects for the sector's development in the state. With a chimarrão in hand, he praised the drink that is synonymous with gauchos. “It's not just tea, it's a ritual,” he said. Based on the tradition of mate, the secretary emphasized the essence of each region as the most powerful asset for tourism in a location. “What we often hide out of shame or prejudice has become our greatest tourist asset,” he argued, recalling the time when he moved from Lagoa Vermelha, in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul, to Porto Alegre, and thought about abandoning the use of bombacha. “We have identified that our greatest strength lies in valuing our own identity,” he concluded.
The morning also featured lectures that highlighted how the hospitality of the hotel chain can positively impact the tourist experience, boosting the economic sector of a municipality. To discuss the subject, the stage welcomed Cris Mors, Sales and Marketing Director of Rede Laghetto, and Michel Daros, President of the Brazilian Association of Social Tourism (Abrastur). Aline Miranda, tourism manager at Sebrae/SC, also shared her experience in developing tourism products and itineraries. As an example, she presented the story of the creation of Georrota, located on the border between Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. “It was a great challenge to implement this itinerary, as it covers two states, seven municipalities, and more than 250 companies,” she said.
Technology and presence
One of the highlights of the first day of the Meeting was the inspiring chat with Daiane dos Santos, world champion in artistic gymnastics. Mediated by Lu Thomé, content curator for the Meeting, the former athlete addressed topics such as success, the future of youth, and, of course, tourism. "Our experiences are made by people. When I talk about experience, I'm talking about people, contact, memories," she said.
Daiane's opinion was also shared by business advisor Roberto Lopes, who, although he presented an overview of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighted the importance of humans in the process of using the tool. “Don't live without it, but don't become a hostage to it,” he said. In the sector, he pointed out, AI can be used strategically to boost business, helping with demand forecasting, staff management, itinerary customization, offers, and marketing.
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