Conventions & Visitors Bureaux and Operating Strategies in Times of a Pandemic:

An Analysis in Brazil Northeast

Abstract

In view of the pandemic scenario caused by COVID-19, analyzing the performance of the Conventions & Visitors Bureaux [CVBx], relevant entities in capturing events for cities, has become opportune, as their activities contribute positively to tourist activity and due to the measures to face the coronavirus [isolation and social distancing], the CVBx had their actions paralyzed. In this way, the article aimed to identify the strategies of action of the CVBx of the capitals of the Brazilian Northeast during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research, with data collection carried out through interviews with representatives of the CVBx from six northeastern capitals [São Luís/MA, Fortaleza/CE, Natal/RN, João Pessoa/PB, Recife/PE and Maceió/AL]. The results show that the CVBx had their face-to-face activities interrupted, events captured were postponed and/or cancelled, and even in the face of so many uncertainties, the synergy between the CVBx, maintainers and associations continued to converge through actions to keep the event sector active.