Green Destinations: Brazil wins 14 awards for sustainable tourism

Brazil once again stood out on the global stage of sustainable tourism, with 14 of its destinations receiving the prestigious certification from the TOP 100 Stories contest by Green Destinations. This recognition celebrates responsible tourism initiatives that create a positive impact on both the environment and local communities, positioning the country as a global reference in sustainability and best practices. The 2024 edition featured over 190 stories from 90 countries.

Among the winning destinations are places of unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural diversity, including six from Santa Catarina — Bom Jardim da Serra, Bombinhas, Itá, Penha, Rota do Enxaimel, and Treze Tílias; three from Rio Grande do Norte — Santa Cruz, São Miguel do Gostoso, and Tibaú do Sul; three from Pernambuco — Fernando de Noronha, Sirinhaém, and Tamandaré, along with Barão de Cocais (MG) and Bodoquena (MS). This marks Brazil’s best performance, surpassing 2022, when the country had 10 awardees.

Marcelo Freixo, president of the Brazilian Tourism Board (Embratur), emphasised Brazil’s recognition as a leader in sustainable tourism: “Tourism is an important tool for building a more responsible and sustainable world, and President Lula’s government has been working, in partnership with states and municipalities, on the qualification of our destinations. We are promoting sustainable tourism that cares for the environment, local culture, and the generation of jobs and income for communities."

Focusing on environmental preservation, the ’Noronha Plastic Zero’ project in Fernando de Noronha (PE) aims to eliminate disposable plastic and promote environmental awareness on the island. Similarly, the partnership between Eco Serrana and Serra da Bodoquena Parks in Bodoquena (MS) works to expand ecotourism and promote preservation actions in the region.

Green Destinations, an international organization dedicated to sustainability in tourism, evaluated the submitted destinations based on strict criteria, including compliance with the guidelines of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).