New members are already active in the 60+, Afrotourism, and Accessibility themes; Diversity Route brings together 27 projects in its first edition.
Diversity Consultant, Inclusion, and Accessible Tourism, Jéssica Paula, was the first PWD to climb Sugarloaf Mountain (RJ). Guilherme Soares Dias is one of the leading names when it comes to afrotourism. Simone Lara is a researcher, writer, and events and longevity professional, addressing a series of topics related to the lives of those aged 60+. The three are now part of the WTM Latin America Diversity Committee.
Created in 2022 from WTM Latin America’s desire to act in an organized and effective manner on the theme of diversity and inclusion in tourism, the Committee has since been working on active listening, discussion, and reflection on the real behavioral needs of the market regarding the theme, including social, environmental sustainability, LGBTQIA+ issues. “The inclusion of three new members is the result of the evolution of discussions with the committee itself; over time, we have seen the need to further expand our perspective by inviting these three individuals who have done incredible work in their areas of expertise,” says Bianca Pizzolito, head of WTM Latin America.
Diversity Route
The initiative aims to encourage significant innovations, recognize and highlight innovative projects that address, in a unique and creative way, the themes of Afrotourism, LGBTQIA+ Tourism, and 60+ Tourism, increasing awareness of the importance of diversity in the industry, stimulating inclusive and representative practices in the sector, as well as fostering positive social impact that contributes to sustainable development and improvement of social conditions in the communities involved.
For its launch, exhibitors were invited to participate in the project by registering as part of the route. All registered projects were evaluated according to criteria of Relevance to the Theme (validation of clear and evident alignment of the project/initiative with the concepts of Afrotourism, LGBTQIA+ and Tourism 60+) and Promotion of the Initiative at the event (validation of the inclusion of project/initiative promotion during the event). The mapping of projects and initiatives aims not to evaluate or commend in any way the projects presented, but rather to map and validate what is being presented at the event in this regard.
In total, 27 organizations – including private initiatives and destinations – are part of the first edition of the project. Although not an award, each of them will receive a recognition seal that will highlight them at the event.
According to Bianca Pizzolito, head of WTM Latin America, the route will function as a guide for those seeking initiatives that promote diversity. “We want visibility for the theme and to recognize exhibitors who emphasize, promote, and work on diversity in their products and initiatives. This is one of the tasks of our Committee, created in 2022 and recently expanded,” says the executive.
Under the theme “The Future is Open. Be the Change,” WTM Latin America 2024 takes place between April 15 and 17 at Expo Center Norte in São Paulo. Free and mandatory for visitation, accreditation is already available on the website, from pages in Portuguese, English or Spanish.