The National Secretariat of Tourism Policies (SNPTur) at Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism closed 2025 with a series of high-profile advances centred on digitalisation, sustainability and capacity building. Senior directors highlighted a move away from paper processes, major visibility at COP30 in Belém and record attendance at sector events that together point to a more modern and resilient tourism industry.
Brazil tourism digitalisation drives faster check-ins and data security
One of the year’s most tangible changes was the roll-out of the National Digital Guest Registration. The system replaces paper forms, enabling pre-check-in and reducing queues on arrival. Authentication through the Gov.br platform adds a layer of security and ensures compliance with Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD). Officials say the change will streamline operations for accommodation providers and improve the visitor experience.
“The digital guest registration represents a significant modernisation for Brazilian tourism,” said Aldo Luiz Valentim, Director of Quality, Sustainability and Climate Actions in Tourism. “It reduces bureaucracy, speeds up service and contributes to environmental goals by cutting paper use.”
SNPTur also secured strong visibility at COP30 in Belém, where the Ministry’s stand in the Green Zone attracted visitors and promoted local attractions. The Ministry operated two tourist buses to facilitate visits around the city and showcased the Lixo Zero project implemented at the Ver-o-Peso and Mercado São Brás markets. These measures underlined an approach that links promotion with practical sustainability measures on the ground.
Fábio Pinheiro, Director of Marketing, Events and Digital Expansion, praised the Salão do Turismo for drawing record audiences and a higher number of presentations. The event’s associated Feirão do Turismo delivered significant opportunities for destination and package sales, helping local operators reach a national market. Pinheiro described this year’s edition as the Ministry’s most ambitious and well-executed event to date.
Recognition and incentives formed another pillar of the year. The Prêmio Nacional do Turismo, often described as the sector’s “Oscar”, awarded initiatives that combine commercial viability with community benefits. Marco Henrique Borges, Director of Planning, Intelligence and Tourism Development, said the prize helps scale projects by improving visibility and supporting their insertion into formal markets.
Looking ahead, SNPTur intends to consolidate these gains through a set of targeted programmes for 2026. Plans include a Qualification Programme, a Formalisation Programme aimed at integrating informal providers into the formal economy, an Accessible Tourism Programme to widen participation, and a Tourist Safety Programme to raise standards across the sector. Together, these initiatives are intended to set clear goals and measurable targets for the next phase of growth.
In closing, Aldo Luiz Valentim thanked ministry staff, municipal and state secretariats, and partners for their contributions. He noted that with the National Tourism Plan and the General Tourism Law in place, the sector has a stronger framework to deliver economic benefits while protecting social and environmental assets. He said the Ministry will move into 2026 focused on implementation and on ensuring that advances in digitalisation and sustainability translate into lasting benefits for travellers and communities.
Key Takeaways:
- Brazil tourism digitalisation introduced a national digital guest registration to speed check-ins and protect personal data under LGPD.
- COP30 in Belém showcased sustainable initiatives, including a Lixo Zero project at key markets and tourist shuttle services.
- Salão do Turismo recorded record attendance and the Feirão boosted destination sales nationwide.
- Prêmio Nacional do Turismo and new sector programmes will support qualification, formalisation, accessibility and safety in 2026.
