Several sectors of tourism are coming together to create itineraries aligned with the climate agenda in Belém, in the state of Pará, combining immersive forest experiences, regional cuisine, and promoting sustainable production systems. The idea behind these initiatives is to leverage the opportunities brought by sustainable tourism — such as attracting investments and increasing competitiveness — while also overcoming the challenges in integrating the key players from both agendas.
Parys Fonseca, a businessman in the hospitality sector, created a business model that combines the experience of immersion in the Amazon rainforest with sustainable lodging. After consulting the Brazilian Service of Support for Micro and Small Enterprises (Sebrae) in Pará, he learned about a recyclable modular structure that not only has a lower environmental impact at a lower cost but also keeps the room temperature stable without artificial cooling.
“The installation process was really quick. In just two weeks I was already renting it out as accommodation. And I found it better because the work was simpler, the module adapts to the environment and is also thermoacoustic,” he highlighted.
Located on Murucutu Island, one of the 42 islands that make up the city of Belém, Fonseca’s resort offers visitors not only the chance to spend the night immersed in the Amazon rainforest but also gastronomic experiences with local products from the region’s sustainable production chain. “The next step is to create a route for tourists to learn about açaí production, just like there is a cocoa route on Combu Island. Sebrae is supporting me with training and management, which has been essential for local residents and entrepreneurs,” he said.
According to the superintendent of Sebrae in Pará, Rubens Magno, the choice of Belém as the host city for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in 2025 has accelerated the alignment of agendas in the region.
“The event highlights the importance of the Amazon and encourages discussions on sustainable practices and adaptation to climate change. This has increased awareness among investors and public managers about the need to integrate sustainability into tourism activities, promoting a more responsible model aligned with global climate goals,” Magno noted.
The connections between these various actors in tourism and sustainability and a clear climate agenda for the sector were highlighted in a diagnostic report prepared by the National Tourism Council for the development of the Climate Adaptation Plan for Tourism. On the other hand, sustainable tourism also offers opportunities, such as partnerships attracted by the win-win approach, as well as strategies to add value to destinations.
The report was one of the tools used to prepare the National Tourism Plan for 2024–2027. In addition to establishing guidelines for actions aimed at making Brazil “the country that receives the most tourists in South America by 2027.”
According to the Ministry of Tourism, these principles will be incorporated into all 20 programs of the plan, which were presented during the 8th edition of the Tourism Fair: Discover Brazil, held in Rio de Janeiro.
Source: Agência Brasil