Marcos Schettini - You headed tourism under the Pedro Ivo government. What has changed since those days to today?
Oscar de Souza Nunes Filho - Tourism is a dynamic activity. It has been 25 years since I was President of Santur and the important thing is that the essence of the activity has not changed. At that time, we created the tourist regions of the state, each within its own vocation; the slogan Santa and Bela Catarina; We gave a lot of momentum to the promotion and dissemination in various segments and, at the time, focusing within Brazil and Mercosur, where it is our largest clientele. At the time, we were also able to internalize tourism, expanding beyond the coast and entering rural tourism, so much so that today we are a thematic state, with various tourist segments. Still ahead, we created posters for each region and its vocation, precisely to awaken the state as a whole, and this reflects even today, as we are a true theme park, with tourism all year round and diversity.
What are the biggest challenges of Balneário Camboriú?
Balneário Camboriú's biggest challenge is to maintain its existing structure, refine and create more leisure and entertainment products, making people stay longer. In addition, we need to keep the city always beautiful and updated, constantly evolving and being able to meet the wishes of tourists.
What does the tourist want?
The tourist seeks security, professionalism, options, good accommodation, and that the expectation that is at the moment of choosing the destination is met. It is important to emphasize that each time of the year refers to a different tourist.
What transformations does the industry need to make to meet class B and C?
Our city offers options for all segments throughout its structure. The beach offers the opportunity to serve all segments, with diversified options, regardless of economic class.
How do you see the return of casinos in Brazil?
Since 1946 Brazil no longer has casinos. What happens is that evolution, as in any activity, is another complement to tourism, and can offer much that is not offered today, and meanwhile we lose in terms of income generation and attractiveness. It is well known that those who want to play will play in nearby places, such as Argentina and Paraguay. Maintaining closure becomes hypocrisy. Today we have games for lower purchasing power, while one that can bring in a large income generation is not allowed. Bingos, for example, brought economic movement throughout the year. In my view, the country loses a lot without casinos, but I argue that when they release the practice, they should release in an organized manner, mirroring other places in the world where the practice is exercised with a professional vision. They may not be the solution of Brazilian tourism, but they are certainly another tool.
How do you see the future of tourism in Santa Catarina?
Tourism in Santa Catarina, in my view, is the state that has the most perspective in terms of tourism, as we offer a menu with all options: shopping, theme parks, rural, beaches, etc. What is needed is to have a project continuity solution and we have more and more dissemination and promotion in an integrated and multi-segment way, because as the State has many options, we have to have several ways of disclosure as each one has a style. We are also close to major national and international issuing centers. Increasingly, the entrepreneur must be aware of this and work together with the government, having a constant and professional partnership, not only at the state level, but also in the municipalities.
Source: Marcos Schettini – Le Noticias
