São Paulo’s Hotel Network gathered to learn about the importance and size of the WorldSkills Competition
The São Paulo Convention & Visitors Bureau, which represents several segments of São Paulo's tourism sector, held a meeting on 28 May 2014 with the Organizing Committee of WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 and representatives of the hotel industry. The main objective of this meeting was to present the Competition, its challenges and needs and also the business opportunities that will come with it. The meeting involved about 60 people and was mediated by the CEO of WorldSkills São Paulo 2015, Osvaldo Borges.
The opening was made by the Chief of Staff and Director of Marketing and Sales for SPTuris, James Herzog, who presented the whole structure of Anhembi Park and improvements scheduled for the venue.
Then the manager of the Holiday Inn, Flavio Andrade, spoke about the long-time partnership of his hotel with SENAI at the Brazilian National Competition. SENAI is the co-host of WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 along with WorldSkills. Andrade also summoned the support of the city’s hotel network in São Paulo for the realization of WorldSkills Competition.
During his presentation, Osvaldo Borges spoke about the requirements of the Competition regarding accommodations. There will be about 59,000 room nights during a period of almost a month, plus food, beverages, logistics and shuttles to and from the hotels.
There will be about 59,000 room nights during a period of almost a month
Visitors and delegations also have specific needs, such as the leasing of space for meetings and gatherings and it is important that the hotels are ready for it.
At the end, the balance of the meeting was very positive. For the Accor Hotels’ Sales Manager, Flávio Simões, an event with the size of the WorldSkills Competition creates opportunities for secondary businesses. "With this event, you can promote all the businesses and products that a hotel can offer," he says. "From room service, to an extra night, even the rental of the meeting room," says Simões.