Analyzing São Paulo’s Place Branding Positioning in Promotional Videos (2017–2019)

This research aims to analyze the positioning theory and discourse within São Paulo’s Place Branding from 2014 to 2019, investigating the symbolic representations employed by the São Paulo Tourism Bureau to emphasize its branding endeavors. The methodology employed a framework based on Semprini’s [10] Project/Manifestation approach and Discourse Analysis. The impetus behind this study arises from the substantial investments made by cities to craft comprehensive disclosure strategies and establish place branding for their respective regions. We observed aspects of Communication and Digital Marketing in the three promotional videos produced by SPTuris in 2014, 2017, and 2019, which underwent meticulous analysis. Our findings unveiled a consistent thematic discourse despite shifts in political administration. The 2014 video accentuated multiculturalism and cosmopolitanism, while the 2017 edition highlighted experiential marketing, business, consumption, and cosmopolitan elements. Remarkably, the 2019 presentation featured images emphasizing receptivity. Themes such as Culture, Arts, and Gastronomy were recurrent across all videos. The scrutinized discourse reaffirms São Paulo’s capital as a trendsetter within Brazil.