Gay and lesbian tourism is a globally growing segment that moves economy of diversity-focused destinations, one of the most highlighted features of São Paulo. Additionally to a wide range of cultural and leisure activities for this special public, São Paulo has established the largest Gay Parade in the world in its calendar, to be held on June 14, on Paulista Avenue. Almost 400,000 tourists came to this event last year. This figure may be repeated this year, according to São Paulo Turismo (SPTuris, São Paulo event and tourist promotion company), which means moving approximately R$189,000,000.00 in the city.

The Parade occurs in the middle of celebrations during Gay Pride Month, organized by Gay Parade Association (Associação da Parada do Orgulho LGBT - APOGLBT) and supported by Sao Paulo City Council, in order to call attention to the community’s demands. Program includes a series of parallel activities focused on “No Homophobia. More Citizenship – For Isonomy of Rights!” Among attractions, for general public, there will be debates on social, professional and familiar context of homosexual people. These round tables will be held from June 3 until June 19.

The Gay Pride Week will be held from June 10 to 14 with political events, theme exhibitions, several parties, and other activities. On June 11, Vale do Anhangabaú will host the 9th Gay and Lesbian Cultural Fair (11am to 10pm) with shows, performances, DJ presentations and other attractions gathering gay and lesbian-related entities. On June 13, 9th Gay Day will be held at Playcenter amusement park.   

Programming also includes homage to personalities and cultural actions that value citizenship and human rights. Winners in the 9th Citizenship Award to Diversity Respect will be assigned by the audience.

Full activity list of 13th Gay Pride Month is available on www.paradasp.org.br.

Gay Parade is also a Sao Paulo showcase for travel agents

For the third time this year, São Paulo Turismo and São Paulo Convention & Visitors Bureau organize “São Paulo My Destination” program. Now 18 travel agents and two journalists from nine capital cities (Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Goiânia, Recife, Brasília, Fortaleza, Manaus, Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro) will come to São Paulo for the Gay Parade to know the event and to be trained to promote this destination for Gay and Lesbian segment.

The group will stay in Sao Paulo from June 12 to 15 and will visit traditional tourist points, shopping areas and cultural activities, and, of course, the Parade and other gay friendly activities. TAM Linhas Aéreas, TAM Viagens and Golden Tulip Paulista Plaza Hotel are partners in this action.

Also in June, “São Paulo My Destination” will bring tourism professionals to visit the city and Sao Paulo Fashion Week. At this time, the idea is to create a Luxury SPMD, held on June 19-21. Travel agents will have a ‘first class’ experience, with tours including fashion shows, and other glamorous options, like a tour on Oscar Freire Street, the 8th most luxury street in the world, art galleries, famous restaurants and other fine addresses. Grand Hyatt São Paulo hotel will also support this action, together with TAM and Gol.

Gay and Lesbian Guide brings attractions in Sao Paulo

Hundreds of visitors coming to São Paulo to enjoy attractions during Gay Pride Month will have another incentive: a theme guide listing several gay friendly establishments, such as bars, shops, bistros, cafes, shopping malls, fairs, restaurants and also a tour with main tourist points, maps, event calendar and information on Sao Paulo, like transportation, addresses and useful telephone numbers.

São Paulo Gay Guide 2009 is the result of a partnership of SPTuris, Coordination of Sexual Diversity Issues of Municipal Secretariat of Participation and Partnership, Brazilian Association of Gay and Lesbian Tourism and A Capa magazine. This guide will be in Portuguese and English. 25,000 copies will be printed.

Free distribution during the Parade, and also at Tourist Information Centers in the city (including at Guarulhos International Airport and Tietê Bus Station) and partner establishments. A version for download will be soon available at www.cidadedesaopaulo.com.