MAC

Olinda wants to legitimize to the world the receptivity it has towards LGBT tourists. Two new establishments have already requested the Recife Convention Bureau to receive the identification seal for the “Friendly” campaign, which outlines guidelines for improving the reception of the LGBT public.

In addition to the Alto Astral guesthouse, which requested the seal and is awaiting an increase in LGBT attendance after courses and training, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) also intends to join the campaign.

MAC is already a meeting point for the LGBT public during carnival on the traditional Rua 13 de Maio, in Olinda. It was built in 1765 and listed in 1966 by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN). It is the only known ecclesiastical prison in Brazil. Before becoming a museum, it served as a Public Prison for the Municipality of Olinda. It houses around four thousand works of different techniques, styles and eras.

According to the president of Recife CVB, José Otávio de Meira Lins, the entry of a non-hotel establishment proves the success of the campaign and the lack of similar projects to develop such a niche market. “This audience spends up to 30% more than straight people and Pernambuco is the main destination in the Northeast for these clients”, he analyzes.