Pará is an Amazonian protagonist at the Braztoa Sustainability Award 2025
Among the projects presented are experiences ranging from community-based tourism to the appreciation of biodiversity, including environmental education initiatives, cycling tourism, rural tourism, and the strengthening of traditional communities.
With institutional support from the State Department of Tourism (Setur), the State of Pará reinforces its prominent national role by bringing together 14 local initiatives registered in the 13th edition of the Braztoa Sustainability Award, which this year will hold its award ceremony in Belém in December. This significant number consolidates the engagement of the Pará tourism sector in innovative, sustainable practices with a real impact on communities.
Among the projects presented are experiences ranging from community-based tourism to the appreciation of biodiversity, including environmental education initiatives, cycling tourism, rural tourism, and the strengthening of traditional communities. The wide diversity of proposals demonstrates not only the tourism potential of the Amazon but also its capacity to lead a sustainable transformation in the sector.
According to the acting Secretary of Tourism of Pará, Lucas Vieira, the State's engagement in the award is further proof that Pará has much to offer Brazil and the world. "Our State has consistently shown that tourism and sustainability go hand in hand. The number of Pará participants in the award reinforces creativity, connection with the territory, and the protagonism of local communities. COP 30 is a great catalyst, but this movement has been built for a long time through dialogue, training, and institutional support," he stated.
Among the registered is the Roteiro Alter Tapajós project, from Muriki Cicloturismo, based in Santarém. For Paulo Henrique Mil Homens, responsible for the initiative, participation in the award is a way to strengthen connections between the territory and the future of Brazilian tourism. “Participating in the Braztoa Award is, above all, an opportunity to show that the Amazon has a leading role when it comes to innovative, sustainable tourism with a real impact on communities. Being among initiatives that value this type of work is more than recognition — it is a way to connect those who are in the territory with those who are thinking about the future of tourism in Brazil.”
According to him, it is essential to view the Amazon as a differentiated destination. “The Amazon has much to teach. Not only for its unique natural beauties but mainly for the way of life of the people, for ancestral practices, for the respectful relationship with nature. It is fundamental that initiatives like the Braztoa Award give visibility to this. That they do not see the region only as an exotic destination but as a source of sustainable and innovative solutions that the world needs to know, value, and respect.”
Another highlight is the participation of the Rota Amazônia Atlântica, a rural tourism initiative led by entrepreneur Hortência Osaqui, CEO of Fazenda Bacuri. The route integrates five Pará municipalities – Belém, Castanhal, Santa Bárbara, Augusto Corrêa, and Bragança – and aims to value local knowledge, authentic experiences, and sustainable rural production.
“The importance of participating in the Braztoa Award is a validation of what has been developed. Last year, in 2024, we were among the 20 initiatives of the award. I truly believe we are on the right path with our route. It is very interesting to see the award's focus on the Amazon. There are several 'Amazons' within the Amazon, such as the Atlantic Amazon. Close to the Atlantic Ocean, there is a whole different characteristic and way of living compared to riverside life in the Amazon in places like Ilha do Combu and others surrounded by rivers. It is of utmost importance because they will get to know concrete work and real stories. It is an opportunity for those who develop rural tourism in this region,” evaluated Hortência.
The Braztoa Sustainability Award is internationally recognized for valuing transformative practices in tourism. Created in 2012, it is the oldest Brazilian award focused exclusively on sustainability in the sector and was the first in the world to receive the endorsement of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
In 2025, in addition to the traditional categories, the award gained a special criterion focused on the Amazon, with extra points for initiatives that promote innovation, positive impact, and sustainable development in the region.
