From April 3 to 6, the São Paulo Convention & Visitors Bureau (SPCVB), with the support of the Brazilian Institute of Tourism (Embratur), concluded yet another stage in a partnership with the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau (OFVCGDL), to promote a visit to Sao Paulo by Mexican buyers and events organisers.
The visit was part of the planned initiative by the international division of SPCVB, supported by Embratur, which includes Mexican guests in its program to attract professionals to WTM Latin America with the aim of promoting Brazilian destinations. The promoter of WTM, Reed Exhibitions, assisted by including the group in its special hosted buyers program.
The group of professional events organizers from Mexico was accompanied by a Guadalajara representative, Rocio Lancaster, Commercial Manager of the OFVCGD, participating in an intense program in the city while also inspecting various other Brazilian destinations represented at WTM.
The comprehensive program designed by SPCVB included inspection visits to various member properties. «It was one of the most informative experiences I’ve had», commented José Sanchez, Sales Manager for Business Travel Consulting. «São Paulo has many qualities, and the some of the best impressions were created by the people who accompanied us, especially because of the cordiality, support and attention they showed us. They were very professional».
«The organisation’s continual work of introducing São Paulo as a major player for events is strategically aimed at boosting tourism and São Paulo’s economy, by finding new business, with both short- and long-term results», explains Toni Sando, CEO of SPCVB.
In 2016, the SPCVB and the OFVCGDL signed a mutual cooperation agreement to develop opportunities between the cities of São Paulo and Guadalajara. The agreement is aimed at taking advantage of the similarity of these destinations. Both are important economic centres in their countries, leaders in the events and conventions sector in Latin America and business centres. They both depend on a strong regional market. The international activities of companies were taken into account when considering the professionals taking part in the initiative and strict criteria were applied by both organizations.
As the next stage of the initiative, set for September, Brazilian buyers will visit Guadalajara.