Brazilian Association of Hotels and Restaurants

Brazilian Association of Hotels and Restaurants
Name	Brazilian Association of Hotels and Restaurants
Native name	Associação Brasileira de Hotéis e Restaurantes
Native name lang	pt
Abbreviation	ABHR
Formation	1940s
Type	Trade association
Headquarters	Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo
Region served	Brazil
Membership	Hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés, lodges
Leader title	President
Leader name	(various)
Website	(official)

Brazilian Association of Hotels and Restaurants is a national trade association representing the hospitality sector in Brazil, encompassing hotels, restaurants, bars, inns, and related service providers. Founded in the mid-20th century, the association has acted as a collective voice in regulatory debates, tourism promotion, labor relations, and professional training. It interfaces with federal and state institutions, regional tourism bodies, and international industry organizations to shape policy, standards, and market development.

History

The association emerged during a period of industrialization and urbanization when hospitality demand expanded in cities such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Belo Horizonte. Early membership included proprietors from landmark establishments in Copacabana, Ipanema, and historic districts like Pelourinho. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s the association engaged with agencies such as the Ministry of Tourism (Brazil), municipal tourism secretariats, and state development banks to coordinate infrastructure projects and hospitality standards. In the 1980s and 1990s it navigated economic liberalization, collaborating with financial institutions including the Brazilian Development Bank and private investors involved in projects near Brasília and the Porto Alegre metropolitan area. The 21st century saw its activities expand into digital commerce, sustainability, and international event hosting tied to venues in Manaus, Salvador, and Fortaleza.

Mission and Objectives

The association's mission includes promoting competitiveness, quality standards, and professionalization across segments represented, fostering relations with entities such as the Confederação Nacional do Comércio, regional chambers like the São Paulo Chamber of Commerce, and multinational hotel chains including Accor and Hilton Worldwide. Objectives emphasize workforce training with institutions such as the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and vocational schools linked to the Senac system, improving service quality at sites including Iguazu Falls, supporting business continuity during crises involving agencies like the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), and promoting Brazil as a destination through collaboration with the Brazilian Tourism Board and municipal convention bureaus in cities like Curitiba.

Organizational Structure

The association is typically organized with a board of directors, executive committee, regional chapters, and sectoral committees covering lodging, food service, events, and supply chain management. Leadership often interacts with national bodies such as the National Confederation of Industry and state federations like the Federação das Indústrias do Estado de São Paulo. Regional offices coordinate with municipal tourism secretariats in places including Recife, Florianópolis, and Belém. Professional committees liaise with certification entities like the Brazilian Institute of Public Relations and with international bodies including the World Travel & Tourism Council.

Membership and Representation

Members range from independent pousadas in regions near Lençóis Maranhenses and Fernando de Noronha to luxury groups managing properties in Copacabana Palace-style venues and corporate restaurant chains operating in shopping centers in Ibirapuera and Barra da Tijuca. Representation includes small and medium enterprises affiliated with regional trade federations, franchise operators linked to brands such as Subway (restaurant), and boutique operators active in cultural circuits like Ouro Preto. The association historically negotiates collective agreements with labor unions such as the Central Única dos Trabalhadores and sectoral labor organizations, while coordinating with financial partners like the Banco do Brasil and investment funds involved with hospitality portfolios.

Activities and Services

Core activities include training programs developed with educational partners such as Universidade de São Paulo and vocational networks like SENAI, certification schemes for hygiene and safety aligning with ANVISA standards, and market research published in cooperation with consultancies including IBGE-sourced tourism statistics and private firms. The association organizes trade fairs, industry summits, and participation in global events like ITB Berlin and WTM London, while running domestic expositions in convention centers across São Paulo Expo and Riocentro. Services offered to members include legal advice on regulations like the Brazilian Civil Code as applicable to contracts, crisis management during public health events involving the Ministry of Health (Brazil), and marketing support tied to campaigns with municipal tourism boards.

Advocacy and Industry Impact

The association advocates on tax policy, regulatory reform, safety protocols, and visa facilitation, engaging with bodies such as the Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) and immigration authorities attached to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (Brazil). It has influenced legislation on occupancy taxation and incentives for cultural tourism projects in legislative fora including the National Congress of Brazil and state assemblies. In major events—ranging from the 2014 FIFA World Cup to the 2016 Summer Olympics—the association coordinated with organizing committees, venue operators like stadium authorities, and hospitality clusters to manage accommodation capacity and workforce mobilization.

Partnerships and International Relations

Internationally, the association maintains relationships with organizations such as the International Hotel & Restaurant Association, the Pan American Tourism Organization, and multinational hospitality groups like Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Bilateral initiatives involve protocol agreements with national tourism boards from countries including Portugal, Spain, and Argentina, while technical cooperation projects have been conducted with development agencies like the Inter-American Development Bank and United Nations agencies including UNWTO. Collaborative efforts span exchange programs with hospitality schools in France and Switzerland, joint research with institutions such as the OECD, and participation in regional alliances covering Mercosur-related tourism strategies.

Category:Trade associations of Brazil Category:Hospitality industry