Festuris Comes to a Close with a Solid 9% Growth
The 36th edition of Festuris – the International Tourism Fair – opened with optimism and celebration as it marked a 9% growth compared to last year. Held in Gramado, Brazil, the official opening on November 8 saw event CEOs Eduardo Zorzanello and Marta Rossi express gratitude and pride for the fair’s expansion. This year, Festuris welcomed an increased number of new brands and participants, as well as international destinations rising from 40 in 2023 to 53, underscoring the event's significance in the tourism industry.
Reflecting on Festuris' journey, Marta emphasized their commitment to rebuilding and supporting the tourism sector in Rio Grande do Sul, especially after recent climate challenges. "This year’s success is about more than growth; it’s a testament to our resilience and dedication," she said, addressing a packed audience at the Palácio dos Festivais. Eduardo echoed this sentiment, celebrating the loyalty of long-standing partnerships and the addition of new exhibitors, attributing Festuris' success to strong family values that extend into their business ethos.
The ceremony highlighted the contributions of female leaders in tourism, with a special recognition by Eduardo. He described tourism as an inclusive industry, remarking, “Tourism has no age, color, gender, or ideology. It is made by and for people.” Eduardo also celebrated the new “Rio Grande do Sul Space,” a dedicated area that brings together the state’s tourism destinations in a unified display, symbolizing the unity of Gramado, Canela, and other regional attractions.
Marta took the opportunity to honor the resilience shown by the local community following recent natural disasters. “For those of us who lived through those moments of anguish six months ago, tonight is truly a celebration. Rio Grande do Sul stands strong, with the world of tourism gathering here in Gramado,” she affirmed, receiving strong applause from the audience.
Representatives from across the tourism sector were present at the event, including notable guest Roberto Henriquez, vice-minister of tourism for the Dominican Republic, which was this year’s featured country. High-profile attendees such as Marcelo Freixo, president of Embratur, and Gramado’s mayor, Nestor Tissot, also took the stage, adding their voices to Festuris' theme of growth and recovery.
Looking forward, Festuris unveiled its theme and visual identity for the 37th edition: "Reimagining Tomorrow." The new logo, rendered in three dimensions, captures the fair’s forward-thinking approach. The updated color palette blends blue, representing trust and opportunity; orange, symbolizing creativity and energy; and white, creating clarity and space for new ideas.
Marta concluded by emphasizing Festuris' role as more than just a business platform, stating, “We are a space for meaningful connections, listening to the tourism industry’s concerns to deliver an exceptional event. This is why Festuris has earned its reputation as Brazil’s most beloved tourism event.” With plans already in place, Festuris 2025 is set to take place from November 6 to 9, promising continued growth and innovation.
