In the heart of Brazil, Mato Grosso do Sul is redefining what it means to travel responsibly. While destinations around the world struggle to balance growth with sustainability, this state stands as living proof that tourism can protect ecosystems, empower communities, and drive positive change, setting a new benchmark for Brazil and beyond. Here, nature still speaks the loudest, dictating the rhythm of tourism, as Colonel Ângelo Rabelo — founder and president of Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP) and one of the Pantanal’s most devoted guardians — likes to say.

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The Pantanal, home to the greatest concentration of protected species in Brazil, has become one of the world’s most sought-after safari destinations outside Africa. Here, travellers can spot jaguars, giant anteaters, tapirs, otters, caimans, and the elegant jabiru stork, the region’s iconic bird. Just a few hours away, Bonito and the Serra da Bodoquena region reveal another facet of this natural wonder: crystal-clear rivers brimming with fish, framed by lush forests, caves, sinkholes, waterfalls, and limestone formations. It’s a true paradise for adventurers and families alike.

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Beyond their beauty, these landscapes are safeguarded by pioneering conservation initiatives that integrate conservation into tourism, fostering environmental education and visitor engagement. Notable examples include the Onçafari Association, which works to protect biodiversity with a focus on jaguars and maned wolves, and the Arara Azul Institute, dedicated to conserving the iconic hyacinth macaw. Both organisations have achieved remarkable success in recovering and expanding these species’ populations, proving that tourism, when done responsibly, can be a powerful ally for conservation.

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Mato Grosso do Sul’s leadership in responsible tourism extends from on-the-ground initiatives to public policy. One of the first destinations to sign the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, the state’s Tourism Foundation (Visit Mato Grosso do Sul) has adopted an ambitious climate and regeneration agenda. A signatory of the One Planet Network, the foundation launched its strategy with the decarbonization and certification of Bonito, recognised by Green Initiative as the world’s first carbon-neutral ecotourism destination. This roadmap is now being scaled statewide, aligned with the State Climate Change Program (PROCLIMA), and aiming for a carbon-neutral Mato Grosso do Sul by 2030.

“The climate emergency is our reality. For the tourism industry, taking initiative on this front is no longer a choice,” says Bruno Wendling, president of the Mato Grosso do Sul Tourism Foundation. “For decades, our sector has portrayed itself as low-impact, and that’s exactly what travelers now expect. Companies and destinations must adapt by embracing the climate agenda, regenerative and responsible tourism, and public policies that steer territories toward sustainable development. Otherwise, they risk being left behind by committed tour operators and travelers who seek destinations that genuinely protect their natural resources and cultures.”

Bonito, often described as the birthplace of Brazil’s ecotourism, has always been ahead of its time. Much of that progress stems from the passion and persistence of local entrepreneurs who understood early on that protecting nature was the only path to ensuring the future of tourism. Over the years, the private sector has taken the lead, improving waste management, adopting circular economy models, and designing experiences that give back more than they take. A standout example is the Rio da Prata Group, which manages three of Bonito’s most iconic attractions and has earned international recognition for its regenerative practices and positive climate certification.

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Beyond its natural wonders, Mato Grosso do Sul recognises that valuing culture and people is an essential part of responsible tourism. In recent years, the state has made significant progress in advancing diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Visit Mato Grosso do Sul launched an LGBT+ tourism seal, accompanied by awareness campaigns, training programs, and event support, reflecting a genuinely open and welcoming approach to all travellers.

Afro-centred and Indigenous tourism are also gaining visibility as part of this movement. In early 2025, the state hosted the 1^st Mato Grosso do Sul Afrotourism Conference, marking the launch of the brand ‘This Is Mato Grosso do Sul – Afrotourism.’ Along the Pantanal route, Bela Oyá Pantanal, the state’s first Afrotourism agency, has developed a vibrant program that celebrates the stories, communities, and cultural heritage that bring destinations like Corumbá to life.

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“Mato Grosso do Sul has been showing the world that it offers truly unique travel experiences. The state is firmly committed to the climate agenda and aims to become Brazil’s first carbon-neutral state,” says Bruno Wendling. “It’s a destination that carefully manages its tourism offer and carrying capacity, delivering exceptional added value to travelers through its nature, ecotourism, culture, and gastronomy.”

This vision is now reaching global audiences. From 29 October to 2 November, Embratur, the Brazilian Tourist Board, will spotlight the Pantanal in New York at the Visit Brasil Gallery, showcasing the state’s natural and cultural richness. Those following from afar can tune in to the “Sounds of Mato Grosso do Sul”, the new Spotify playlist curated by Visit MS — an audible journey through the rhythms, stories, and soul of a destination where tourism truly gives back to nature and people.

L’article How Mato Grosso do Sul is redefining responsible tourism in Brazil est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Spearheaded by Embratur – the Brazilian Tourist Board and Sebrae Nacional, Feel Brasil is a celebration of 101 carefully curated experiences in 61 cities, designed to highlight a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable side of the country. And the numbers speak volumes: 59% of these experiences are led by women, and more than 80% are powered by inclusive teams committed to social and environmental responsibility.

A new narrative for Brazil’s global image

Since the beginning of its new leadership in 2023, Embratur has been working to redefine Brazil’s international image. The goal? To position the country as a diverse, inclusive, vibrant, and peaceful destination, deeply committed to its people and the planet.

Alongside its internal sustainability goals, which include a dedicated team working on ESG strategies and advancing innovation and sustainability across Brazilian destinations, Embratur is also shining a spotlight on Afrotourism, Indigenous tourism, community-based travel, and purpose-driven nature adventures. These aren’t afterthoughts—they’re at the heart of a new narrative for Brazil.

Hidden gems with real impact

Feel Brasil offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore lesser-known, yet profoundly authentic experiences—those that go beyond sightseeing to actively protect the environment and uplift local communities. One powerful example is the Indigenous experience in the Porto do Boi Pataxó Reserve, in Caraíva, Bahia, where visitors are invited into the heart of the Pataxó community for an enriching cultural exchange and deep immersion in ancestral traditions.

In Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, the adventure continues with snorkelling at Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata, a breathtaking journey through crystal-clear waters recognized as Climate Positive by the Green Initiative. It’s a rare combination of beauty, adventure, and environmental responsibility. Meanwhile, in Porto de Galinhas, Pernambuco, travellers can take part in coral restoration at the Biofábrica de Corais, where they learn about marine conservation while planting their own corals during an engaging and educational dive.

These aren’t just tourism experiences—they’re meaningful encounters that invite visitors to become active participants in building a better, more responsible way to travel.

Building a more equitable tourism economy for Brazil

According to Embratur’s president, Marcelo Freixo, the Feel Brasil initiative is designed to both increase tourism revenue and diversify Brazil’s destination offerings by attracting international travellers interested in experiential and sustainable tourism. “With the success of Feel Brasil, which features destinations in all 27 states of the Federation, Brazil is becoming increasingly competitive on the global stage, drawing tourists in search of unique and responsible experiences. At the same time, we are driving development and supporting job and income generation for local communities,” he said.

The project places a strong emphasis on supporting micro and small enterprises (MSEs), which represent 90% of Brazil’s tourism sector. More than 70% of the selected experiences are operated by these local entrepreneurs, ensuring that tourism’s economic benefits reach those who need them most.

Bruno Reis, Embratur’s Director of International Marketing, Business and Sustainability, explains that Embratur is not only amplifying authentic Brazilian travel experiences but also equipping them with the visibility and strategic support needed to thrive in international markets. “Our goal isn’t just to identify experiences, but to nurture them. We want to understand the right markets for each experience and support their promotion through targeted commercial intelligence,” he noted.

Feel Brasil experiences are available in English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, and Italian through the official platform.

L’article Feel Brasil: 101 ways to experience a more inclusive, authentic, and sustainable Brazil est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In addition to the humanitarian and environmental crisis, the current drought in the Brazilian Amazon has sent a warning signal for tourism in the region. Jungle hotels, travel agencies, houseboats, boat tours and experiences in traditional communities have decided to suspend their activities with no date for resumption.

In a country that annually faces dozens of forest fires, floods and extreme temperatures, this may be the first time that the tourism sector is becoming truly aware of the impacts of climate change and the urgency of adaptation.

The drought is most severe in the so-called Western Amazon, which includes the states of Acre, Rondônia, Roraima and Amazonas, and mainly affects communities and hotels that depend on rivers for transit. This is the case of Manati Lodge, a family hotel located just over 1.5 hours from the capital of Amazonas, Manaus. Last October 3rd the owners announced the forced break: “The drought is coming dramatically and, unfortunately, we will have to temporarily suspend our operation. Our hotel is on the banks of the Acajatuba lake and is already isolated. Supplies, fuel, employees and our guests can no longer get here. Our alternative ways for boarding and disembarking no longer exist. The waters are getting hotter every day and the result you can see on the news: dolphins and fishes are dying every day”.

The hotel first tried to remain open, warning guests that they should readjust expectations and prepare for alternative activities that did not involve navigation, such as trails and river beaches. But the situation has become unsustainable, the last guests battling mud fields to leave the lodge.

At the experience travel agencies Poranduba and Braziliando, the solution is to combine resilience and creativity. While looking for ideas to support the riverine and indigenous communities where they operate and who are no longer receiving income from tourism, the companies are encouraging travellers to postpone their plans to visit the Amazon until the next months.

The riverside community of Tumbira, in the municipality of Iranduba, in Amazonas, which welcomes visitors in a community-based tourism model for many years, is practically isolated. As residents are no longer able to travel, the NGO Fundação Amazonas Sustentável began collecting financial contributions and donations of food and drinking water to help affected families.

It’s curious to notice, however, that on the social networks of most Amazonian luxury lodges, the drought is not a reality. There is not even a message of support and much less information clarifying what the region is experiencing.

L’article Severe drought in the Brazilian Amazon is hampering tourism est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.