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| Brazilian Association of Tour Operators | |
|---|---|
| Name | Brazilian Association of Tour Operators |
Brazilian Association of Tour Operators is a national trade association representing tour operators and travel wholesalers in Brazil. It functions as an industry body interfacing with entities such as the Ministry of Tourism (Brazil), state tourism secretariats like São Paulo Secretariat of Tourism, and municipal offices such as Rio de Janeiro. The association engages with international organizations including the World Tourism Organization, International Air Transport Association and regional blocs like the Mercosur.
The association traces its origins to sectoral gatherings involving companies from São Paulo (city), Rio de Janeiro (city), and Belo Horizonte in the 1980s, emerging alongside private entities such as CVC Brasil Operadora and Grupo Flytour. Early interactions involved market actors linked to airlines like Varig and LATAM Brasil and hotel chains including Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and AccorHotels. During the 1990s the body worked with regulatory actors like the National Tourism Secretariat (Brazil) and financial institutions such as the Banco do Brasil. The 2000s saw engagement with international partners such as the World Travel & Tourism Council and trade fairs including ABAV Expo and WTM Latin America. In crises the association coordinated responses referencing events related to Zika virus and natural disasters affecting destinations like Fernando de Noronha and Iguaçu Falls.
The association's mission emphasizes supporting members such as inbound operators in regions like Northeast Region, Brazil and outbound operators in markets including São Paulo (state), promoting sustainable tourism tied to conservation units like Pantanal Matogrossense National Park and cultural assets such as Salvador. Objectives include coordinating standards with institutions like the Brazilian Institute of Tourism (Embratur), promoting safety alongside carriers such as Gol Linhas Aéreas and Azul Brazilian Airlines, and fostering market access with entities like the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (SEBRAE). The association lists priorities aligned with international frameworks including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Membership comprises a cross-section of private firms: large tour operators such as CVC Corp, regional operators in the Amazonas, niche providers operating excursions to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, and associations like ABAV (Brazilian Association of Travel Agents). Corporate partners include hotel groups like Hilton Worldwide and AccorHotels; transport partners include Embraer-linked charter operators and ferry services to islands like Ilha Grande. Governance structures mimic boards seen in organizations such as Confederação Nacional do Comércio de Bens, Serviços e Turismo with elected chairs, advisory councils populated by representatives from academia at universities like the University of São Paulo and research centers such as Embrapa. Membership tiers parallel models used by International Air Transport Association and UNWTO affiliates.
The association organizes trade events similar to ABAV Expo and participates in international fairs such as ITB Berlin and FITUR. It offers professional development programs in partnership with institutions like Fundação Getulio Vargas and vocational schools linked to SENAC (Serviço Nacional de Aprendizagem Comercial). Marketing initiatives include destination promotion campaigns for sites like Pantanal, Chapada Diamantina, and Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul. It provides operational tools used by operators dealing with carriers like LATAM Airlines and distribution channels such as Booking.com and partners in payment processing like Mastercard. Data services align with statistics published by IBGE and policy analyses from think tanks such as Instituto Brasileiro de Economia (IBRE). Crisis response protocols reference coordination with agencies like ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency) and public health entities including Oswaldo Cruz Foundation.
The association lobbies regulators including ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency), tax authorities like the Receita Federal do Brasil, and multilevel governments in capitals such as Brasília. Policy positions often reference precedents from bodies like the World Travel & Tourism Council and regulatory frameworks such as the Consumer Protection Code (Brazil). It has submitted proposals on issues affecting air connectivity with stakeholders such as IATA, taxation regimes discussed with Ministry of Finance (Brazil), and visa facilitation dialogues involving foreign ministries of partner markets like Portugal and China. The association also engages in debates on labor practices with unions exemplified by Central Única dos Trabalhadores.
International linkages include cooperation with UNWTO, participation in regional cooperation with ProColombia-style agencies, and bilateral contacts with national tourism boards such as VisitBritain and Tourism Australia. It collaborates on projects funded by multilateral banks like the Inter-American Development Bank and aligns training schemes with standards from organizations such as ILO. Destination marketing partnerships involve national bodies like Embratur and local development agencies including Prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro. The association also maintains ties with trade platforms such as Expedia Group and professional networks like Skål International.
Critics have targeted the association for perceived proximity to large firms like CVC Brasil Operadora and for policy stances that some regional operators in Amazonas and Northeast Region, Brazil view as favoring mass tourism over conservation in areas including Lençóis Maranhenses and Pantanal. Labor advocates referencing organizations such as CUT (Central Única dos Trabalhadores) have challenged practices connected to subcontracting and seasonal hiring, while consumer rights groups citing the National Consumer Secretariat have questioned disclosure standards used in package sales. Environmental NGOs including SOS Mata Atlântica Foundation and academic critics from institutions like Federal University of Rio de Janeiro have debated the association's role in sustainability certification and impact mitigation. Legal disputes have occasionally involved judicial bodies such as the Superior Court of Justice (Brazil) over contractual and regulatory interpretations.
Category:Tourism in Brazil Category:Trade associations based in Brazil