Dear colleagues,
If we consider it as an end, it is almost impossible to believe that we are apparently coming out of this very difficult time that we have faced together. We do have a great conviction that we are moving towards closing part of this chapter in our history.
A chapter that has challenged us in the broadest senses of our existence. We have learned a lot, but unfortunately at the cost of many lives here in Brazil. We can only hope that this will serve as a lesson for us to make better political choices next year (a presidential election year in Brazil).
If we consider it as a start, we are taking this very seriously.
Being a responsible company that cares about generating a positive impact on the planet is no longer a choice. This has always been latent and pulsating within Gondwana, but now it is growing and integrating with enormous force in our daily work.
We do want our trips to be transformative. Our mission is to provide responsible trips that value local communities, protect nature, and connect different realities, providing opportunities for transformative exchanges. And this motto has been with us for 20 years, but it finds resonance with the travellers of 2021 and beyond.
We feel that today's customers are looking for serious, responsible companies that are concerned with generating positive changes in the world. This puts us at an advantage.
In the last months, we have been busy improving and enhancing our products and we are now ready to come back as strong as ever. Tourism around the globe has the potential to build back better and we are part of this movement.
The coming year is starting to look good for travel. Countries after countries are reversing their travel restrictions and we are seeing a powerful pickup in travel interest to Brazil.
Tourism is happening in Brazil.* Also the rules will be stretching for some time into the future. So, we want to invite you to start reviewing your trips to Brazil and offer them to your clients.
*all arrivals must present a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of boarding, as well as a traveller's health declaration form to their airline before boarding which can be completed online. Children under two are exempt, as are children under 12 who are accompanied by an adult with a negative test.
This month, we have had clients travelling around Brazil and we have already started to have bookings for 2022! Will yours be next? :)
UPDATE COVID BRAZIL
The numbers in Brazil are falling day by day. Vaccination has already reached 70% of the population with the first dose and 45% with full immunization. We are also applying booster doses in the elderly population. The moving average of cases and deaths has reached increasingly lower numbers, and this week presents the lowest averages since November 2020.
The scenario is optimistic.
NEWS FROM THE FIELD We shared the story of GOND LOCAL (our new company) in this ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association) newsletter.
Want to know more about our new company? Follow us on Instagram! Click here.
Brazil is out of the red list in UK. Read here.
Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo have new rules, please advise clients. IMPORTANT: Dear traveller, bring with you your proof of vaccination against covid-19. This is being required for entry into some restaurants, bars and tourist attractions. Without this proof, your travel experience may be compromised. Iguassu Bird Park no longer operate Forest and Backstage tours To "replace" the backstage they now have a nursery inside the park where you can feed parakeets at Cecropia Nursery. For more info, read here. San Martin Hotel (now SANMA) in Iguassu completely renovated On September 9 was delivered for operation, in its first phase, the brand new SANMA Hotel. Occupying the space of the traditional Hotel San Martin, the boutique hotel was completely renovated, is the closest development to the entrance of the Iguaçu National Park. SANMA Hotel will start serving its guests on October 5 and will be officially inaugurated on November 25, 2021, when the delivery of the swimming pool area, bungalows, and fitness centre will be completed. More info here. Argentina will open for tourists in November As spring approaches the southern hemisphere, Argentina is preparing to reopen its borders to international arrivals. Following a decrease in coronavirus case numbers, the government said it will welcome all fully vaccinated visitors from November 1. All foreign visitors will be welcome and exempt from quarantine if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. They must present proof of a negative COVD-19 result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before travel, in addition to taking an antigen test seven days after arrival. This is very important for us, as many clients visit Argentina and Brazil on the same trip. Senses of South America 2021 At the end of September, we participated in the Virtual Fair Senses of South America. A virtual event where travel industry professionals can gather and network. The event’s main focus is to provide access to smaller boutique properties to highlight their unique experiences and destinations. Additionally, all travel agents around the globe who are interested in selling South American destinations are invited to join in on this discovery of “senses”! We have spoken to more than 30 international buyers that are willing to expand or start their operations in South America. We feel that the eyes of tourists are turned towards South America for different reasons, and we left this meeting very confident that the year 2022 will be very positive for South America. We hope to see you there next year! More info here.
WHAT CUSTOMERS THAT TRAVELED TO BRAZIL IN SEPTEMBER HAVE TO SAY
“This trip was something that exceeded our expectations! The service was great, with a lot of attention to our wishes. The trip was even better! We felt very well assisted, nothing, absolutely nothing failed, nothing went wrong. The drivers were on time, the tours were amazing, the places were exactly as described! We will definitely come back.
Karen Wasman, that went to Lençois Maranhenses with her family
“I am not sure when we will have such good service again. All was very good. We have felt very safe the entire trip”
Timothy McCright from the USA was in Brazil with his wife and a couple of friends and they visited many natural areas such as the Amazon, Pantanal and Ema National Park.
Here at Gondwana, we are moving on. We are looking for a brighter future, both as a business and as individuals.
We owe it to ourselves, our friends and colleagues. we owe it to you. We wouldn’t be here now without you. THANK YOU again!
We remain strong and confident in a better future ahead. We want to hear from you. Please share with us the latest news from your countries.
Miss you all
A big hug,
Camila, Daniela, Vanessa, Renatha, Gabriel & Daniel