Pará invests in tourism and projects sustainable development with COP30
On World Tourism Day, the State celebrates advances in infrastructure, training, and international promotion, consolidating itself as a strategic destination in the Amazon
Celebrated on September 27, World Tourism Day gains special prominence in Pará, where investments in infrastructure, international promotion, and professional training strengthen the State's presence as a reference destination in the Amazon. The proximity of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will be held in Belém in November, reinforces the role of tourism as a driver of sustainable, social, and economic development.
By 2025, Pará has established itself as one of Brazil's most promising destinations, driven by strategic investments. Projects such as the Doca Linear Park, Porto Futuro II, and the City Park transform Belém, create new leisure options, preserve the environment, and strengthen tourism. Another advancement is the implementation of bilingual tourist signage in the capital, which facilitates visitor circulation and promotes inclusion.
“With COP30 on the horizon, Pará positions itself as a protagonist on national and international stages, promoting sustainable, inclusive, and quality tourism. The work being done is a clear example of how innovation and governance can transform tourism into a driver of social and economic development,” highlights the State's Secretary of Tourism, Eduardo Costa.
In air transport, the consolidation of Belém International Airport as a hub for the Amazon expands connections and opportunities. The partnership with the Colombian airline Avianca, for example, will ensure the operation of the Belém–Bogotá route starting October 27, connecting Pará to El Dorado Airport, the busiest in Latin America, with about 45 million passengers per year.
The image and credibility of the destination in national and international tourism markets generate economic gains and competitive advantages for local entrepreneurs. “The appreciation of regional routes, greater promotion of destinations, and encouragement of nature and cultural tourism have given more visibility to Pará as an authentic destination,” says entrepreneur Wyllian Farias.
Pará in the spotlight at major tourism fairs
The State Department of Tourism (Setur) has been present at national and international events to promote Pará. In the first nine months of 2025 alone, the department participated in fairs such as Pesca & Companhia Trade Show; National Fishing Tourism Forum; Expo Turismo Paraná; ABAV Travel SP; WTM LA; Avistar Brasil; BNT Mercosul; Agente Tá On – Na Estrada; Expocatólica; RUMOS Seminar; Pará Day; National Tourism Fair; Fishing Show; and ABAV Expo 2025. These actions strengthen the State's image in the global tourism scene, attract investors, companies, and tourists, and generate jobs and income, boosting local development.
Training and new nature tourism experiences
Recognizing the importance of professional training, the government of Pará invests in courses such as Birdwatching and Environmental Trail and Hiking Guide. Birdwatching has been growing in Brazil and already gathers about 50,000 observers. According to the Brazilian Service of Support for Micro and Small Enterprises (Sebrae), the country is home to 18% of the world's bird diversity, and the sector generates approximately $90 billion annually worldwide.
For environmental trails and hikes, Pará hosts some of the most emblematic ecotourism destinations in the Amazon, such as Alter do Chão (Santarém), the Marajó archipelago, and the Calha Norte region, with extractive reserves and conservation areas ideal for community-based tourism. “The impact has been positive. We have noticed an increase in demand for nature experiences and cultural immersions, which strengthens our business and helps consolidate tourism in the region,” adds Wyllian Farias.
Conservation Units as ecotourism attractions
The Conservation Units also stand out: the Utinga State Park “Camillo Vianna” in Belém; the Serra dos Martírios/Andorinhas State Park in São Geraldo do Araguaia; the Monte Alegre State Park; the Metropolitan Wildlife Refuge of the Amazon in the Metropolitan Region of Belém; and the Environmental Protection Area (APA) Marajó Archipelago. The programs aim to prepare professionals to offer high-quality ecotourism experiences aligned with sustainable practices.
Sustainable and Responsible Tourism
Pará stood out in the Braztoa Sustainability Award 2025, with six initiatives among the 30 finalists, competing in the Local Communities and Experience/Product categories. The State ranks second in the registration ranking, highlighting the strength of the Amazon region in sustainable tourism. The winners will be announced on December 8, at an awards ceremony in Belém.
Child protection and ethical tourism
Another front is responsible tourism and child protection, with lectures, workshops, and educational activities for managers, service providers, entrepreneurs, students, and communities. The goal is to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism activity, foster a more ethical, sustainable, and inclusive tourism, and combat the sexual abuse of children and adolescents in the sector.
Regional governance and strengthening the sector
The creation of regional governance bodies and the inclusion of 82 municipalities in the Brazilian Tourism Map strengthen the structuring of the sector, ensuring that investments are directed efficiently and promote balanced and sustainable tourism development in the state.
Results and Perspectives
With the COP30 taking place in Belém, tourist flow in the State has increased significantly, with a projected growth of over 20% in 2025. The expectation is that Pará will attract around 1.5 million visitors throughout the year. “I have observed good growth, especially in the last two years, and this positively impacts companies with this visibility and growth of tourism in Pará and our region,” reports entrepreneur Paulo Henrique Mil Homens.
According to the Pará Tourism Observatory, released by Setur in 2024, the State received 1,204,944 tourists, a growth of 15.4% compared to the previous year. The revenue generated by the sector reached R$ 871,967,641.
The UN conference is expected to attract tens of thousands of participants, boosting hotels, restaurants, transport, agencies, and local commerce. Belém and Pará are consolidating on the international radar, strengthening the State's image as the gateway to the Amazon and a sustainable tourist destination.
