Marcia Gonçalves

Brazil Coordinator

With over 40 years of experience in inbound tourism in Brazil, a graduate and post-graduate degree in Tourism, she is the founder and manager of Way to Go Brazil, established since 2003. Her passion for tourism drives her to create customized itineraries for international clients, with whom she establishes long-lasting relationships, aligning herself with the life purpose of understanding and connecting deeply with each client. Throughout her career, she has accumulated experience in various tour operators, which allows her to have a holistic view of the business, focusing on the excellence of the services offered.

Her experience extends to religious tourism, where he has already served groups of Filipino pilgrims and participated in the Route of Faith in Southern Brazil, which she continues to support in each edition by sponsoring registrations.

She believes that tourism is a powerful tool for connecting people and cultures, and is honored to be able to contribute to her clients' memorable and enriching experiences in Brazil.

Could you describe your role and perspective as National Coordinator in the Global Network of Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations?

My role as National Coordinator will be to assist in the promotion and development of religious and spiritual tourism and also to serve as a liaison between Brazil and the Global Network of Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations.

What are the main challenges facing religious and spiritual tourism in your country?

Religious and spiritual tourism in Brazil faces a number of challenges that can affect its development, such as the lack of infrastructure in some places, the lack of marketing aimed at this segment, greater professionalization of the workforce to ensure the quality of services and greater awareness of sustainability. A greater and joint effort by the government, the private sector and the local community is needed to overcome these challenges.

What measures are being taken to ensure that religious tourism is sustainable and respects both local communities and the environment?

Some initiatives are being implemented to promote sustainable religious tourism in Brazil. These include developing routes with a focus on sustainability, training local communities, selective garbage collection at sanctuaries, and conducting awareness campaigns among visitors.

How do you see religious and spiritual tourism evolving in terms of new technologies or innovative practices?

Some trends are shaping this evolution, for example, the use of apps with diversified information about religious tourism attractions. Digital marketing to promote sacred destinations, religious events or spiritual immersion experiences reaching a more diversified audience. The integration of sustainable and ecologically responsible practices in destination management.

Could you highlight any important event or festivity related to religious tourism in your country?

Círio de Nazaré in Belém on the second Sunday of October, gathering around 2 million people in the streets of Belém to honor Our Lady of Nazaré.

Is there a personal experience or story you can share that illustrates the impact of religious or spiritual tourism?

Yes, I have an unforgettable personal experience of participating in the Rota da Fé in Campo Mourão (PR) in 2020. 

I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of religious and spiritual tourism, observing the connection between families that is strengthened by faith. The positive impact on the local economy in each community we visited, driven by the presence of pilgrims. The warm welcome and engagement of the local community.  The strong practice of sustainability, with the preservation of the environment along the way and the participation of pilgrims in planting trees. 

This experience marked me deeply and inspired me to advocate for religious and spiritual tourism as an agent of social, cultural and environmental development.

How do you collaborate with other international delegates to promote religious and spiritual tourism?

I believe that our collaboration will be through the exchange of experiences, knowledge and suggestions for the promotion of religious and spiritual tourism in each country.

What is your vision for the development of religious and spiritual tourism in your country?

In my vision for the development of religious and spiritual tourism in Brazil, it is necessary a continuous and sustainable growth, valuing the cultural and religious diversity of the country.

What message would you like to send to those who are considering visiting religious and spiritual sites in your country?

Regardless of your belief, Brazil offers an unforgettable journey through the world of faith and culture. Whether visiting churches and temples, participating in pilgrimages, experiencing religious events or spiritual immersions, be prepared to connect with what you believe in, strengthen your faith and create memories that will last forever.