The Sao Paulo Convention & Visitors Bureau (SPCVB) reaches across the seas to generate new opportunities for the tourism industry and offers business rounds, educational seminars and partnership opportunities in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Last week (October 12-14) the SPCVB, supported by LATAM Airlines West Coast Office, and with the unprecedented partnership of Rio de Janeiro (Rio CVB), held sales events in the Los Angeles area to promote Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro as tourism destinations served by the main United States Travel Management Companies (TMC). The events were attended by members of both CVB's along with Blumar, Consolid Brasil, Marriott Hotels, Palacio Tangara (Oetker Collection), Pertra By Ovation, AccorHotels, Sheraton Sao Paulo WTC Hotel and Tivoli Mofarrej - Sao Paulo. Over 130 contacts were made during visits to major local agencies, TMC's, and tour operators. In addition, tour operators and independent agencies associated with the CCRA Travel Commerce Network were invited for breakfast at the Brazilian Consulate.
Moving forward, the SPCVB is also participating at Imex Las Vegas, America/s worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings, and events (October 18-20). On the first day of Imex, the SPCVB and the Oficina de Visitantes y Convenciones de Guadalajara signed a mutual cooperation agreement for development of opportunities. The agreement aims to take advantage of the two destinations' similarities: both are important economic centers for their countries, are leaders in the conference tourism sector and conventions in Latin America, are industrial cities, and rely on a strong regional market.
"The SPCVB has been consolidating the company's proactive action in promoting tourism, its infrastructure and partners, placing Sao Paulo in a distinguished position in the event, tourism and travel industry. The approach and exchange experience with destination cities - that are major sources of tourists and can truly be said to be major forces in the industry on the continent, help to develop new opportunities to attract national and international events", explains Toni Sando, SPCVB CEO.
