Saturday, May 17, 2025
In a significant step toward advancing sustainable and innovative tourism, the Ministry of Tourism (MTur) of Brazil, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has announced a call for proposals for specialized consulting firms to develop strategic content and publications focusing on Creative Cities and Smart Tourist Destinations (STDs) in Brazil.
This announcement, made on May 13, 2025, represents a core component of an International Technical Cooperation Project designed to elevate Brazil’s tourism sector by promoting destinations that embody innovation, sustainability, cultural heritage, and local economic development. The initiative reflects Brazil’s commitment to integrating creative industries into tourism policies, enhancing the nation’s appeal on both the national and international stage.
Scope and Objectives of the Consulting Contract
The Ministry of Tourism aims to engage expert consultants with deep knowledge in tourism innovation and sustainable development to produce three editions of a periodical publication. This publication will feature in-depth market intelligence, emerging trends, innovative practices, and sustainability insights relevant to Brazil’s tourism sector.
By equipping both public administrators and private stakeholders with current data, analysis, and strategic guidance, the content will serve as a vital resource for improving tourism destination management and promotional activities aligned with global best practices.
The initiative embodies the Ministry’s broader strategy to reshape Brazil’s tourism landscape by:
- Enhancing the visibility and competitiveness of creative and smart destinations.
- Valuing Brazil’s rich local cultural wealth and unique territorial identities.
- Strengthening social inclusion through the integration of creative and cultural industries.
- Promoting sustainable tourism that fosters economic resilience and environmental stewardship.
The Importance of Creative Cities and Smart Tourist Destinations
Creative Cities, a UNESCO designation, recognizes urban areas that leverage creativity as a key factor in sustainable urban development. Such cities harness arts, culture, and innovation to enrich their economies, social fabric, and visitor experiences. Similarly, Smart Tourist Destinations apply technology and data-driven management to improve sustainability, accessibility, and competitiveness in tourism.
Brazil’s diverse cultural heritage and abundant natural assets make it ideally positioned to lead in these categories. The Ministry’s strategy draws upon international frameworks such as UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network and the UNWTO’s Global Report on Smart Destinations, reinforcing Brazil’s alignment with worldwide sustainability and innovation agendas.
Call for Proposals: Participation and Selection Process
The Ministry of Tourism has invited companies and institutions with proven expertise in tourism, creative industries, and sustainable development to submit proposals via the UNESCO Bidding Platform by May 22, 2025.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate capability in:
- Conducting rigorous market research and trend analysis.
- Developing high-quality, actionable content tailored for tourism policymakers and industry practitioners.
- Supporting public-private collaboration in tourism innovation.
- Aligning deliverables with Brazil’s cultural policy frameworks and international standards.
This transparent and competitive selection process ensures the Ministry contracts consultants capable of delivering impactful materials to support Brazil’s ambitious tourism transformation.
Government Vision and Strategic Context
The initiative is a cornerstone of the Ministry of Tourism’s National Tourism Plan, which emphasizes sustainable growth, regional development, and cultural tourism diversification. It also supports the Brazilian Agenda 2030 goals relating to inclusive economic growth and environmental responsibility.
MTur’s increased participation in global forums dedicated to tourism innovation, digital transformation, and creative economy—such as the UNWTO Global Summit on Innovation and Tourism and the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies—underscores the urgency of this project.
Consultancy outputs will inform Brazil’s presentations, institutional negotiations, and technical reports in these international arenas, consolidating the country’s image as a leader in innovative, sustainable, and culturally rich tourism.
Expected Outcomes and Sectoral Impact
The Ministry of Tourism anticipates that the strategic content developed through this project will:
- Empower destination managers with cutting-edge knowledge to adopt smart technologies and creative strategies.
- Guide policymakers in crafting tourism policies that integrate cultural industries and innovation ecosystems.
- Stimulate private sector engagement through informed market insights and trend forecasting.
- Increase Brazil’s appeal as a diverse and sustainable tourist destination among global travelers.
These outcomes will help bridge the knowledge gap in Brazil’s tourism industry and catalyze growth by fostering a network of destinations that are economically vibrant, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.
International Cooperation and UNESCO’s Role
UNESCO’s collaboration with Brazil in this project exemplifies its mission to promote cultural diversity, heritage conservation, and sustainable development through tourism. As part of its Creative Cities Network program and broader cultural policy advisory role, UNESCO provides technical support and global expertise to help member states implement sustainable tourism initiatives.
Brazil’s participation in this cooperation reinforces its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
How This Initiative Fits into Brazil’s Broader Tourism and Cultural Landscape
Brazil is home to a rich mosaic of cultural traditions, landscapes, and innovative urban centers. The promotion of Creative Cities and Smart Tourist Destinations complements ongoing investments in cultural infrastructure, such as:
- The revitalization of historic cities like Olinda and Paraty under the Brazilian Ministry of Culture.
- Technological integration projects supported by the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation aimed at improving visitor experiences.
- Regional tourism development programs managed by the Brazilian Tourism Institute (Embratur) focusing on sustainable practices.
Together, these efforts contribute to Brazil’s goal of becoming a leading destination for travelers seeking authentic, innovative, and responsible tourism experiences.
Submission Details and Timeline
Interested consulting firms should submit their proposals exclusively through the UNESCO Bidding Platform by the deadline of May 22, 2025. Detailed requirements and evaluation criteria are available in the official public notice.
This initiative marks a critical step toward delivering updated and strategic promotional materials that will benefit Brazil’s tourism ecosystem for years to come.
Conclusion: Pioneering Sustainable and Creative Tourism in Brazil
Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism and UNESCO’s partnership on this project highlights the country’s forward-thinking approach to tourism development, recognizing the power of creativity and technology in shaping resilient destinations.
By fostering the growth of Creative Cities and Smart Tourist Destinations, Brazil aims to offer visitors dynamic, culturally rich experiences while ensuring sustainability and social inclusion.
This project not only advances Brazil’s tourism sector competitiveness but also aligns the nation with international efforts to build a more innovative and responsible global tourism industry.
