Mato Grosso do Sul’s “Brazil Food Safaris” wins international Responsible Tourism prize

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The “Brazil Food Safaris” project developed by tourism and gastronomy professionals from the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, in Brazil’s Center-West region, was the winner in the Cultural Heritage category of the 1st WTM Latin America Responsible Tourism Award (WTM LA) competing directly with a Chilean project.

There were 4 categories with 13 competitors from 10 countries. The award ceremony was held virtually on Thursday, April 28th, and was attended by guests from all over the world.

The WTM LA award is an initiative focused on projects that offer transforming experiences by combining food, culture, nature, sustainability, and responsible tourism.

The concept underlying award-winning Brazil Food Safaris, one which can take place anywhere in the world, is to promote the appreciation of regional cultures through food heritage, placing groups of travelers in contact with people or communities that use traditional practices or ingredients that may be at risk of disappearing.

The project’s curator, chef Paulo Machado, says that Brazil Food Safaris develops hospitality to its full potential.

“Going on a trip usually involves values linked to desires, dreams, and achievements. To really make a difference in a person’s life, we understand that responsible tourism must have a greater motive, valuing local players, regional characteristics, and unique and very important events. The main difference in what we sell comes precisely with the power of a handmade product, built in an exclusive way, where the traveler is not just a supporting actor, but becomes a key part of a unique experience,” he highlights.

Brazil Food Safaris’ CEO Pollianna Thomé attributes the achievement to a lot of hard work and dedication. “Our goal is to connect people with places through food habits, an inspiring experience, as we give voice to the work of local communities, valuing the popular knowledge of each region as well as enhancing the preservation of ecosystems and the paths to sustainable tourism. Paulo and I share a passion for the Brazilian food heritage, which makes Food Safaris a unique product,” she says.

The director-president of the Tourism Foundation, Bruno Wendling, praises the result of a project born in the State and that demonstrates the professionalism of local entrepreneurs. “The Brazil Food Safaris project is one that I appreciate very much and that for many years has been working on tourists’ experiences through gastronomy. Paulo Machado and Pollianna Thomé are doing a great job and this recognition is the result. I am very happy that they are taking the name of Mato Grosso do Sul to Brazil and to the world.”

The project has been implemented in Mato Grosso do Sul and sought to value the Pantanal culture and local ingredients, such as the baru nut and the guavira, a wild fruit from the region used as a seasoning.

“This award further strengthens the year in which MS was elected by tourists who came to the state as the ‘number 1’ destination in gastronomy and this was only possible due to the quality of our professionals. Brazil Food Safaris international award emphasizes our gastronomy culture, the diversity of flavors that we have and also the image of MS as a strong and diverse destination, which has in culture and gastronomy competitive differentials coupled with its amazing natural landscape,” Wendling concludes.

Source: Brazil Government

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