Famtour with European operators strengthens ecotourism and community-based tourism in Alter do Chão
The familiarization trip was an initiative of Embratur in partnership with Sebrae and institutional support from Setur
One of the most exuberant and authentic destinations in Brazil, Alter do Chão (Santarém), welcomed, last week, from October 17 to 24, eight tourism operators from Germany, Italy, and France for an immersion in the culture, natural riches, and experiences in the Amazon of Pará during the "Famtour Experience Brazil." The familiarization trip was an initiative of Embratur (Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion) in partnership with the Brazilian Service of Support for Micro and Small Enterprises (Sebrae) and institutional support from the State Secretariat of Tourism (Setur), aiming to strengthen the marketing of ecotourism and community-based tourism routes in the international market.
The goal is to diversify the offer of Brazilian destinations in the operators' portfolios, providing in-depth knowledge about the authentic experiences that Pará offers. During eight days of programming, participants had direct contact with the local partner network, including hotels, tour guides, and riverside communities, fostering new business opportunities and strengthening the tourism production chain in the region.
On the group's itinerary, the operators participated in experiences such as an ecotourism trail in the Tapajós National Forest and the Piracaia ritual, a traditional Amazonian luau with grilled fish by the river. In addition to these, the operators had cultural experiences, such as a carimbó presentation at the Mestre Chico Malta Reference Center. The program also included boat trips through Lake Maicá, Jari Canal, and Black Lake, exploring the aquatic fauna and flora. There were also visits to indigenous communities, such as Coroca and Urucureá, where visitors experienced body painting and the production of crafts made from tucumã palm leaves.
The group also participated in the Experience Brazil networking event, where European operators connected with the local tourism trade in business rounds, facilitating the creation of packages and commercial partnerships. The activities took place in Santarém, Alter do Chão, and Belterra.
The Secretary of Setur, Eduardo Costa, evaluates the Famtour as important to show that Pará has positioned itself as a destination for ecotourism and values traditional communities. "The arrival of these operators is strategic to promote knowledge about the Pará destination, which is rich in nature, culture, and hospitality. It is also the moment to promote networking, increase the visibility of tourism products, and optimize marketing in the European market," points out the head of Setur.
"Welcoming representatives from tourism operators in Germany to learn a bit about Alter and the region was very important, as the action strengthens the image of the Pará destination. In an integrated manner, the results are more effective. The Brasis plan identified the German market as a priority for Pará, which is why an integrated strategic planning is necessary to increase competitiveness and attract more international tourists to Pará," evaluates Allyson Neri, a technician from Setur who accompanied the famtour.
Ecotourism/ Community-Based Tourism
According to Embratur, ecotourism is a segment with great business generation potential, mainly due to the connection with local community involvement and environmental conservation. Brazil has unique characteristics that allow it to be one of the main countries in the world with potential for increasing nature tourism, with diverse biomes, favorable climate, and unique tourism experiences. The promotion of Brazil should focus on the unique and authentic Brazilian experiences that highlight the biodiversity and cultural richness of the country compared to other competing destinations.
Outbound Market
Germany is the largest emitter of tourists in Europe and the eighth for Brazil, with a traveler profile that increasingly seeks sustainable, authentic destinations with a strong connection to nature. Between January and September of this year, Brazil received 146,370 German tourists, a number that represents a growth of 16.6% compared to the same period in 2024. The main attractions of Brazil for this audience are the climate, sun and beach, biodiversity, culture, and gastronomy.
