The Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Sul held a special ceremony on Tuesday (5) honoring tourism in the state, recognizing organizations and leaders that contribute to strengthening the sector. During the event, the Medal of the 56th Legislature was also presented to the State Department of Tourism in recognition of the work carried out by its staff members.

The initiative was proposed by state representative Ronaldo Santini and brought together representatives from several tourism-related institutions, as well as authorities and personalities with a remarkable history in the development of the sector, especially in the Gramado region.

Among the honored organizations was Festuris – Gramado International Tourism Fair, one of the leading tourism trade events in Latin America. Representing the fair, CEOs Marta Rossi and Eduardo Zorzanello spoke on behalf of all honorees, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the public sector and private initiative.

“With great gratitude, we are here speaking on behalf of all those being honored. It has been a journey of more than 38 years throughout Rio Grande do Sul and Brazil initially, and later around the world, promoting our state in every corner of the planet. This work, always carried out in partnership with the state government and the entities also being honored today, demonstrates the strength of private initiative and recognition that also extends to the government,” said Marta Rossi.

During his speech, Eduardo Zorzanello also highlighted the challenges faced by the tourism sector over the years, mentioning moments that required resilience, such as the pandemic, the floods of May 2024, and global instability. “Those who work with tourism experience a roller coaster of emotions every single day,” he stated.

The event was attended by important figures connected to tourism and the history of Gramado, including former Natal Luz president Luciano Peccin, former mayor Pedro Bertolucci, current mayor Nestor Tissot, and businessman Guilherme Paulus, founder of CVC.

In addition to Festuris, several representative tourism organizations were honored: ABAV-RS (Brazilian Association of Travel Agencies of Rio Grande do Sul), UGART (Gaucho Union of Tourism Operators and Representatives), ABRASEL (Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants), ASSMURS (Association of Musicians of Rio Grande do Sul), SINDHA (Hospitality and Food Services Union of Porto Alegre and Region), SINDETUR-RS (Tourism Companies Union of Rio Grande do Sul), ABBTUR (Brazilian Association of Tourism Professionals and Tourism Graduates), MTG (Gaucho Traditionalist Movement), ABIH (Brazilian Hotel Industry Association), SKAL International Porto Alegre, Convention & Visitors Bureau, SEBRAE, SESC/RS, SENAC, and the Rio Grande do Sul Tourist Guides Union.

Text: Fernando Gusen | fernando@festurisgramado.com.brPhoto: Festuris/Press Release