Trail and Hiking Course Boosts Nature Tourism in São Félix do Xingu
The training offers theory and practice with content on the fundamental concepts of tourism and even the development of tourist experiences
The municipality of São Félix do Xingu hosted the Environmental Guide Course for Trails and Hikes from September 15 to 26. The qualification course was promoted by the State Tourism Secretariat (Setur), in partnership with the Municipal Tourism Secretariat, the Environment Secretariat, and the Fire Department. The initiative aimed to train residents interested in working in the ecotourism segment and offered training for guiding visitors in natural areas with safety and sustainability.
The training brought together 17 local participants, who had access to a diverse range of theoretical and practical content. The training consists of a series of modules that combine theory and practice, covering content ranging from fundamental tourism concepts and interpretation and communication techniques to the development of tourist experiences.
Participants also received detailed guidance on equipment used on trails, good practices for group management, safety measures, and pre-hospital care protocols. These instructions were supported by the technical assistance of the Fire Department, whose participation ensures greater emphasis on risk prevention and care for the safety of visitors and guides.
The practical activities took place in the Municipal Forest of São Félix do Xingu, a Permanent Preservation Area located in the city center. The space, which concentrates rich biodiversity and environmental value, served as a natural laboratory for the exercises, reinforcing the potential of protected urban areas as tourist and educational attractions.
The manager of the Structuring of Tourist Destinations at Setur, Hugo Almeida, emphasized that the action aimed not only to train professionals but also to raise environmental awareness. “The space, in addition to housing rich biodiversity, is an important environmental and educational heritage, serving as an ideal setting for guiding exercises on trails. The choice of location reinforces the importance of preserving urban natural resources and highlights how protected areas can be used responsibly to promote knowledge and leisure,” he stated.
According to Setur technician Charles Aviz, the certification received by graduates opens opportunities in different segments of tourism, such as guiding visitors on trails, kayaking tours, birdwatching, visits to waterfalls, rappelling, sport fishing, as well as activities in tourist enterprises, restaurants, lodging, transportation, and parks.
“Attractive trails should include environmental interpretation, local stories, and traditional knowledge, adding value and positioning the municipality competitively against other destinations, further strengthening the community economy by sharing local knowledge, traditions, and stories of the communities, reinforcing the cultural identity of the municipality. It is a strategic course that transforms natural potential into a real, safe, and competitive tourist product capable of attracting visitors, generating income, and positioning São Félix do Xingu on the ecotourism map of the Amazon,” concludes Charles.
