Some of the most brilliant examples of sustainable tourism in Brazil and South America were presented during the three panels on Responsible Tourism that took place on WTM – World Travel Market Latin America 2018, between April 3 and 5, in São Paulo. Organised and led by the director of Inverted America, Gustavo Pinto, the panels were based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and each of them turned to one of the objectives directly associated with tourism.
The debate on Tourism and Local Communities in Latin America, aimed at goal number 8) Promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, employment and decent work for all, has gathered community tourism initiatives that are generating sustainable development, employment and income for several communities in Brazil. While the panel on Marine Tourism in Latin America, which addressed objective 14) Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources, brought reflections on tourism activities that exploit animals.
On the second day of WTM Latin America, the founder of Vivejar, Marianne Costa, participated in the panel Tourism and Local Economic Development: the commercial advantage, bringing her experiences and professional contributions to the debate on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns (objective 12). In addition to presenting the direct positive impacts caused by the trips and visits of Vivejar in Brazilian communities, Marianne recalled how products of conscious and sustainable tourism are becoming essential and profitable for all.
“Tourism has a powerful force on social development, in addition to enhancing cultural and environmental preservation”, said Marianne. Next to Cássio Garkalns, from GSK Negócios Sustentáveis and Elisabeth Solis Fournier, of Localiza Costa Rica, the director of Vivejar, also highlighted how responsible tourism has been transforming and bringing positive impacts to tourists, who are looking for this type of travel everyday more.
New collective for Responsible Tourism
Also during WTM Latin America, Marianne Costa and Gustavo Pinto presented together the association MUDA! – Brazilian Collective for Responsible Tourism. The proposal of the association, that brings together six major Brazilian companies in the sector, is to position Brazil internationally as a Responsible Tourism destination. Estação Gabiraba, Inverted America Journeys, Uakari Lodge, Tropical Tree Climibing, Turismo Consciente and Vivejar, aim to strengthen the international promotion of Brazilian sustainable tourism products, to influence public policies in the sector and add innovation and new values to the Brazilian itineraries and destinations promoted throughout the world.
