Tourism

Food service sponsors tourism

Eye-catching 1
Food service represents 81% of companies operating in tourism industry

Eye-catching 2
Professional qualification improvement is priority for growth

Food service and tourism are interconnected, as Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) demonstrated in a study requested by Ministry of Tourism. The survey “Tourism Economy: Analysis of Tourism Characteristics Activities” accrued that enterprises connected with food services represent 81% of companies operating in tourism industry, employ 70% of people and respond for 41% of total compensation paid in the sector. About 80% of such companies are small. Tourism is the fifth activity generating foreign currency for the country.

“There is no question about the segment importance which is one of tourism growth propellants foreseen for the coming years” states Jean Louis Gallego, coordinator of ABIA Food Service Commission. The ethnic mix of Brazilian people allowed national gastronomy to be one of richest in the world. Regional dish characterization, as acarajé from Bahia or barbecue (churrasco) from Rio Grande do Sul, are, by itself, marketing tools that promote this food service specificity. “The characteristic flavors make the difference when advertising Brazilian tourism”, complements Abia coordinator.

Last year, federal government launched the National Tourism Plan (PNT) comprising 2007-2010 period, aiming at encouraging the activity focused on social inclusion, jobs and income generation and credit facilities offers so that Brazilians may travel more. The plan prioritizes the strengthening of domestic market, expecting the generation of 1.7 million new jobs and entry of US$ 7 billion in the country. It is further expected promotion investments around R$ 900 million and R$ 5 billion in tourism infrastructure, including professional qualification reinforcement. It is also estimated that private initiative makes a capital contribution in the amount of R$ 6 billion for lodging and R$ 12 billion for amplification and improvement of services.

One of the most pressing PNT targets is the professional qualification improvement within the sector and encouragement of domestic gastronomy value. “It is essential to encourage foreign language learning for those working in food services. That is why it is so important partnerships, joint planning and accomplishments between public authorities and civil society in favor of quality targets”, explained minister of tourism, Marta Suplicy, on the occasion of plan launching.