On an emotional evening, Elza Wolkoff and Clécio Gobbi receive the Silvia Zorzanello trophy

On Wednesday evening, November 5, the Gramado City Council held a special formal session to celebrate the 14th edition of the Silvia Zorzanello Trophy, an honor that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of tourism. Established in 2011, the trophy pays tribute to businesswoman Silvia Zorzanello, co-founder of Festuris – Gramado International Tourism Fair, and an icon of the national tourism economy.

Created through Bill No. 2953, the Silvia Zorzanello Trophy was designed to perpetuate Silvia's legacy and honor those who keep alive the entrepreneurial, innovative, and passionate spirit for tourism that marked her career. The award sculpture—two intertwined araucaria trees, symbol of Rio Grande do Sul—represents the joint growth, unity, and strength of the Gramado tourism sector.

Traditionally presented on the eve of the official opening of Festuris, the trophy is one of the most anticipated moments on the city's tourism calendar. In 2025, the honor was awarded to Elza Ruth Wolkoff and Clécio Gobbi, recognized for their dedication and significant contribution to the consolidation of Gramado as one of Brazil's leading tourist destinations.

"It was a very exciting night that will remain in our memories forever. Two special people received an invaluable award from the City Council, and that fills our hearts with pride. We are talking about legacy, about those who have dedicated themselves to our city, our region, and tourism that transforms lives. You are icons, and this is a priceless award granted by the City Council, which praises not only your work, but your entire history," commented Eduardo Zorzanello, CEO of Festuris.

Among the selection criteria are outstanding contributions to local, regional, or national tourism; entrepreneurship and innovation in the management of destinations or companies in the sector; and commitment to the tourism and social legacy—values that reflect Silvia Zorzanello's career.

"This is a tribute that carries a very deep meaning. We are celebrating lives and the building of the soul of tourism in Gramado. Silvia Zorzanello left us a legacy of inspiration, courage, sensitivity, and vision as a pioneer who understood that tourism, above all, is hospitality. It was this vision that transformed Gramado into a different city, recognized in Brazil and around the world," said Ike Koetz, president of the City Council.

Over the course of these 14 editions, the trophy has been awarded to the following personalities: Milton Zuanazzi (2011), Norma Moesch (2021), Tarcísio Gargioni (2013), Luiz da Gama Mór (2014), Pedro Bertolucci (2015), Salvador Alves Dias (2016), Antônio Noya and Itamar Gurgel (2017), Horácio Neves (2018), Guillermo Alcorta and Roy Taylor (2019), Tia Iara (2021), Jussara Höppner (2022), Jussara Yanez Leite (2023), Guilherme Paulus (2024), and Elza Ruth Wolkoff and Clécio Gobbi (2025).

IN EUROPE - In addition to the tribute awarded by the Gramado City Council, there is also the “Silvia Zorzanello In Memoriam Trophy,” coordinated by the Excelências Group of Spain, which is presented during FITUR (Madrid International Tourism Fair), recognizing companies and destinations that stand out in international tourism promotion.

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