LGBTQ tourism is a rapidly growing segment of international travel, and Brazil is increasingly positioned as a significant player in this realm.
The annual “Parada do Orgulho” (Pride Parade) held in São Paulo serves as the primary gateway, attracting visitors from around the world.
In the second episode of the documentary series “Turismo Transforma,” produced by Embratur (an independent agency of the Ministry of Tourism), the 2023 edition of the parade was showcased, highlighting its role in promoting tolerance and contributing to the country’s economy.
Tania Neres, the Afro-Tourism, Diversity, and Indigenous Peoples Coordinator at Embratur, emphasized that embracing diversity and fostering inclusion has a positive social impact and boosts the GDP.
Events like the Pride Parade generate a ripple effect throughout the tourism industry, creating jobs and income for numerous individuals.
Moreover, LGBTQ tourism helps cultivate a more tolerant and empathetic society, driving social and cultural change.
Recognizing the potential of this tourism segment, organizations representing LGBT tourism in Brazil and worldwide have partnered with Embratur.
The objective is to enhance Brazilian destinations for this particular profile of travelers and internationally promote established LGBTQ-friendly destinations in Brazil.
Efforts are underway to develop well-trained guides catering to the needs of the LGBTQ community.
LGBT+ tourism encompasses various sectors and offers multiple opportunities.
It encompasses cruises, parties, pride parades, business, cultural, gastronomic, adventure, luxury, and religious tourism.
Ricardo Gomes, president of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, underlined this segment’s profitability and added value.
According to the Gay Travel Index 2023, Brazil is among the countries that receive many LGBTQ tourists worldwide.
Furthermore, the travel industry increasingly embraces diversity by actively employing LGBTQ+ individuals.
Hotel chains, for instance, have embarked on initiatives to hire trans people, contributing to both micro and macro-level transformations.
The rise of LGBTQ tourism in Brazil bolsters the economy and showcases the country’s commitment to inclusivity and equality.