Rio Grande do Norte Focuses on Spain Travel Market Along with Italy and France

Monday, February 3, 2025

At FITUR 2025, Rio Grande do Norte proudly presented its own stand for the first time, coinciding with Brazil’s role as the guest country. With a strategic focus on expanding connectivity with Europe, particularly Spain, the region aims to attract more tourists. Currently, 65% of flight searches for Rio Grande do Norte come from Europe, making it a key market. The region collaborates with El Corte Inglés and utilizes influencers and media to boost demand and enhance flight connections.

Rio Grande do Norte stands out with its proximity to Europe, stunning beaches, warm waters, and iconic buggy tours over its 400 km coastline. Exclusive experiences, such as boat tours with chef-captains serving fresh oysters, add to its appeal. Adventure tourism, kitesurfing with breathtaking views, and eco-adventure options further enhance its diverse offerings. With rich gastronomy and unique landscapes, Rio Grande do Norte is positioning itself as a must-visit destination in Brazil. Here’s an exclusive interaction with Racini Fernandes, Diretor Presidente of Rio Grande do Norte, at FITUR 2025, discussing the region’s tourism potential, European market expansion, unique experiences, and strategies to enhance connectivity and attract global travelers.

Good afternoon, today is the second day at FITUR. How has your experience been so far?

I love participating in FITUR, especially since this is the first year that Rio Grande do Norte has its own stand, in the year that Brazil is the guest country. It is very important for us to be here because since last year we have been focusing more on the Spanish market. We have a direct flight to Lisbon, and we have been participating in WTM with our own stand for some time now. But now, we would like to expand connectivity with Europe, and Spain is our next step.

Speaking of new markets and attracting new tourists, besides Spain, which other countries are you interested in?

FITUR is one of the largest tourism fairs in the world, covering almost all of Europe. We are working with Spain, Italy, France, and others… 65% of searches for Rio Grande do Norte on flight websites come from Europe, and Spain is the second country that sends us the most tourists. Now, our focus is on expanding connectivity and flight connections.

And to develop these new routes, what strategies are you implementing for this new tourism season?

Rio Grande do Norte is the only region in Brazil that collaborates with El Corte Inglés. It is a gradual process, and we need to partner with more operators and wholesalers. We have been working on creating desire through influencers, magazines… So, if we increase demand, we increase connectivity, that will lead to more flight connections. This is our main goal for the year.

How does Rio Grande do Norte differ from other well-known regions of Brazil?

Rio Grande do Norte is located at the closest point to Europe, which is a very important feature. We also have sun and beaches, which are highly sought after during the European winter, when we have beautiful sunshine. We have excellent beaches, amazing tours… One of the most iconic experiences is the buggy tour, using vehicles that can climb the dunes. We have 400 km of beaches, some of which are very exclusive and loved by Europeans, such as Galinhos, which is a peninsula. I believe you are familiar with peninsulas; here you have many. But in Rio Grande do Norte, our peninsulas have warm water, with the same temperature as the air.

Our gastronomy is also a highlight. We offer a boat tour where the captains are also chefs. While you enjoy the natural beauty, the chef picks fresh oysters right in front of you, ready to eat. This is an exclusive experience from a special part of the north that only we have.

But we also have mountains, adventure tourism, and even some of the best winds for kitesurfing. If you ask any windsurf or kitesurf athlete, they will tell you that we don’t just have the best winds, but also the most stunning photos. The images are unique—athletes surf above coral reefs, creating absolutely breathtaking aerial photographs. We offer diving, boat tours, eco-adventure… Brazil, in general, is a country with a wide variety of tourism experiences, and Rio Grande do Norte is no exception.

Well, it sounds like we must visit Rio Grande do Norte. Thank you very much.

You’re welcome! You are always welcome.

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