SAO PAULO, Brazil – The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association welcomed Clovis Casemiro to its staff this week as Membership Coordinator – Brazil. The position was created to encourage greater engagement between LGBT-welcoming tourism businesses in Brazil, one of the largest markets for LGBT tourism in South America, and IGLTA’s global membership.
“Brazil has consistently ranked as one of the top countries in South America for LGBT-friendly tourism and we have long relationships with Embratur, Revista ViaG and Abrat GLS,” said John Tanzella, IGLTA President/CEO. “In order to better connect with the Brazilian tourism industry, we need to have someone fluent in Portuguese who understands the market. Clovis brings more than three decades of experience to the table, including nearly 20 years of working with IGLTA.”
Casemiro, who is based in São Paulo, began his tourism career in 1979 and got involved with IGLTA in 1997. He served four years on the association’s board of directors (1998-2002) and five years as a volunteer ambassador (2007-2012), promoting LGBT tourism in Brazil. His industry experience includes roles in sales, marketing and management with hotel brands Othon, Sheraton, Blue Tree and Nobile. He also worked for tour operator TAM Viagens and helped to open the company’s LGBT department.
“I am really proud to return to the IGLTA family,” Casemiro said. “My time with the association was very important for Brazil and our members; we brought in new destinations like Florianopolis, Recife, Salvador, and increased the market for Rio and São Paulo. I hope to open more destinations with our Brazilian style.”
