Event in Lisbon marks the resumption of the promotion of Brazilian tourism in Europe – 11/13/2021
In celebration of the Bicentennial of Brazilian Independence, the Convention of Brazilian Municipalities, held between November 10 and 14, in Lisbon, marks the resumption of the promotion of Brazilian tourism after almost two years of blockade imposed by the new coronavirus pandemic.
In celebration of the Bicentennial of Brazilian Independence, the Convention of Brazilian Municipalities, held between November 10 and 14, in Lisbon, marks the resumption of the promotion of Brazilian tourism after almost two years of blockade imposed by the new coronavirus pandemic.
By Luciana Quaresma, RFI correspondent in Portugal
The Convention of Brazilian Municipalities – Lisbon – 2021, brings the tourist potential of Brazilian states and municipalities directly to the European public through Portugal, Brazil’s gateway to Europe. According to Maristela Valadares, creator of the project, the time is ripe for the export of Brazilian cultural and gastronomic identity in Portuguese territory, showing why Brazil is one of the most sought after destinations in the world.
“This event is returning in a smaller format, but with a lot of strength: media, management, enterprise where each state has the opportunity to present to the public, whether business, press or the final public, that Brazil is prepared to receive tourism again. With that, we encompass the culture, gastronomy, creative economy of the states that are present here. Amazon, with its very rich gastronomy with this incredible biome, the preservation of nature and the concept of more exotic tourism; Minas Gerais with a focus on Minas Gerais gastronomy to the Portuguese taste, offering one of the event’s dinners; and Ceará with its incredible attractions, beautiful beaches, a paradise.”
According to Maristela, this is an important new beginning for the tourism sector in Brazil. “The event marks this restart, as we are seeing the economy heat up again, along with tourism. It is an ideal moment, as most people are vaccinated and the European summer offers greater socialization. Therefore, we intend to publicize it directly to the target audience, all the tourist potential of the participating states and municipalities”, he explains.
Amazonas, Minas Gerais and Ceará participate in the meeting
For the Secretary of Tourism of Minas Gerais, Leonidas Oliveira, combining Brazilian natural beauty with gastronomic wealth is a strong bet for the state, especially at this time when the world is recovering from the pandemic caused by COVID-19. “The mountain, the nature, the open space, the distant gaze. After having looked at ourselves and the walls of our houses, it is a global trend and Minas Gerais offers exactly that: an amazing landscape, with a sea of mountains , but it also has the five biomes – Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Caatinga -, with a lot of diversity where it is possible to practice adventure tourism. The state offers a multitude of options for outdoor tourism, which is currently a global trend”, claims.
Organized by Instituto Realidade Brasil, the entire event, with free entry, is hosted at the Hotel Dom Pedro Lisboa. He tries to show that Brazil can be the perfect scenario for the resumption of post-pandemic tourism, which seeks a place with a low concentration of people and is mainly focused on outdoor activities.
“Tourism in the world is making a comeback and Brazil cannot be the last in line. We have to walk, even if it is a walk in small steps. But it has to happen because Brazil has a lot to offer. (… ) The people are very welcoming, affectionate. The experiences they live in Brazil are unique. The diversity of landscapes, cultures and traditions provided by Brazil means that the European public can choose the various options, from beaches to the forest, cultural tours in historic cities to gastronomy or as natural beauty of waterfalls, rivers and mountains, “says the creator of the Maristela Valadares project.
Gala dinner created by chef Edson Puiati from Minas Gerais
During the event, the states and municipalities that are part of this meeting present their tourism potential for Portuguese and European companies in the sector. They participate in the trade fair and dinners harmonized with Brazilian cuisine and Portuguese wines. For the President of the Chamber of Store Directors of Belo Horizonte, Marcelo de Souza e Silva, being part of this important moment for the resumption of Tourism in Brazil is essential for economic growth.
“Portugal is the best place for us to start this movement with a lot of strength because we have a very strong connection and the Brazilian people, especially the Minas Gerais, and the Portuguese people have an unusual characteristic, which is the issue of welcoming. just that. Like the Portuguese, the mineiro also loves a kitchen, not just to eat and talk, but also to do business”, he compares.
“We need to be preparing businesses and services more and more so that this generates jobs, encourages the economy, not only in the capital, but also in the entire interior. The government of Minas has already attracted more than R$ 150 billion in investment to the state and we need to add to that these investments that are coming from abroad. We are here hand in hand with the government and the sector responsible for the International Convention to join forces and make the economy grow with the help of tourism, “comments the job.
The opening dinner, for 100 classes, was the responsibility of the state of Minas Gerais. Aiming to internationalize the cuisine of Minas Gerais, it was signed by renowned chef Édson Puiati. To close the Convention, the event will have a typical Brazilian program: feijoada and samba with singer Carla Virsi.