The 38th Festuris – Gramado International Tourism Fair, taking place from November 12 to 15 in the Serra Gaúcha region of southern Brazil, will once again highlight LGBT+ tourism in its program. Ricardo Gomes, President of the Brazilian LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, has been confirmed as the content curator of the Diversity Stage, a space within the event’s LGBT+ Diversity area that promotes discussions on inclusion, innovation, trends, and business opportunities related to the segment.

Recognized for its pioneering role in promoting diversity within tourism, Festuris was one of the first trade fairs in Latin America to create a permanent space for discussions on LGBT+ tourism, helping to increase the visibility of a market that generates billions of dollars annually worldwide and plays a strategic role in developing more welcoming and competitive destinations.

One of the key highlights of this year’s program will be the presentation of the “Call for the LGBT+ Tourism Manifesto in Brazil for Destinations and Companies,” a document designed to reinforce the sector’s commitment to inclusion, respect for diversity, and the creation of safe and welcoming experiences for LGBT+ travelers.

In addition, the Diversity Stage will address topics that are currently prominent on both the national and international agenda, including the evolution of LGBT+ traveler behavior, strategies for promoting inclusive destinations, diversity as a competitive advantage, hospitality best practices, the segment’s economic impact, global trends, the importance of luxury tourism and destination weddings, among other subjects.

According to Ricardo Gomes, the space plays a fundamental role in enhancing industry knowledge and expanding dialogue about diversity in tourism.

“Festuris has established itself as an important platform for promoting meaningful discussions on inclusion and diversity in tourism. The Diversity Stage is an environment for knowledge exchange, business generation, and building a sector that is better prepared to welcome everyone. This edition will feature discussions aligned with the main global trends and with strengthening LGBT+ tourism as a strategic segment for destinations and companies.”

Festuris CEO Eduardo Zorzanello emphasizes that the event’s commitment to diversity is part of its core identity. “Festuris has always believed that tourism is a tool for social transformation, economic development, and human connection. We were pioneers in creating space for LGBT+ tourism within a business trade fair, and we remain committed to fostering discussions that contribute to an increasingly inclusive, representative, and well-prepared sector capable of serving the diversity of travelers.”

The LGBT+ Diversity area is one of Festuris’ specialized segments and has established itself as a strategic environment for networking, business development, and knowledge sharing, bringing together professionals, destinations, companies, and leaders committed to promoting a more inclusive and welcoming tourism industry.

The 38th Festuris will take place from November 12 to 15 in Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul, bringing together professionals, brands, destinations, and tourism experts from Brazil and abroad to discuss trends, foster business opportunities, and drive the sector’s development. This year’s theme is “Real Relationships That Build the Future.”

Text: Fernando Gusen | fernando@festurisgramado.com.br
Photo: Personal Archive

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