Introduction
In this case study, we will present the Integrated Sustainable Tourism Development Plan – PDITS Cairu, A remarkable project made possible through a partnership between Sebrae/BA and the Municipal Tourism Secretariat of Cairu, and executed by Girus Soluções em Turismo. The study was conceived with the objective of promoting the balanced and sustainable development of tourism in Morro de São Paulo – Cairu Archipelago, one of the main tourist destinations in the Northeast Region of Brazil.
The context
Located in the State of Bahia, the Cairu Archipelago It is made up of 26 islands, being one of the few archipelago municipalities in Brazil. The area is considered one of the main Brazilian tourist destinations, with its most prominent feature being... St. Paul's Hill, Cairu, a village located on Tinharé Island, receives thousands of national and international tourists every year. The Cairu Archipelago presents a wide range of environmental, tourist, economic, cultural, historical, and human resources, in addition to others that have not yet been fully explored.
Girus Soluções em Turismo's role in the tourism planning process for Morro de São Paulo – Cairu Archipelago
With the aim of promoting tourism development in Morro de São Paulo, Cairu Archipelago, the PDITS proposed a set of strategies linked to the following thematic areas:
- Basic infrastructure and services: Coordination of the expansion and revitalization of basic infrastructure; II- Expansion and revitalization of infrastructure supporting tourism.
- Tourist Product: Creation of innovative, sustainable, and segmented tourism products and services; Updating, creation, and implementation of policies to regulate, support, and incentivize tourism; Maximizing the quality of the local tourism workforce.
- Tourism Marketing: Enhancing Tourism Marketing; Maximizing the digital presence of tourism; Boosting Tourism Promotion and Training;
- Socio-environmental Sustainability: To guarantee the sustainable development of tourism; To strengthen tourism and environmental awareness among residents, tourists, and municipal managers.
- Strengthening the Institutional Framework: To promote professional, innovative and efficient management of tourism in Morro de São Paulo, Cairu Archipelago; To enable institutional and financial support for the development of regional tourism; To promote public-private cooperation for the sustainable tourism development of Morro de São Paulo, Cairu Archipelago.
The Results
O Integrated Sustainable Tourism Development Plan – PDITS Cairu, The project, delivered in 2021, was considered a fundamental instrument for local tourism, generating several positive results, including:
- It enabled the raising of funds from government agencies and international tourism promotion organizations;
- According to the Vision of Tourism defined during the preparation of the PDITS – Cairu (“Morro de São Paulo – Cairu Archipelago, will be internationally recognized in 2025 as a sustainable tourist destination and home to one of the best beaches in South America.”, Morro de São Paulo's Fourth Beach was elected the best beach in Brazil and the 4th best beach in the world, in the Awards. Traveller's Choice 2022.
- Implementation of the VivaCairu Digital Voucher, as per the action proposed within the scope of the Integrated Sustainable Tourism Development Plan – PDITS Cairu. Developed by the fintech CashPago and implemented by the Municipal Tourism Secretariat in 2022, the Digital Voucher aims to streamline processes and facilitate access for all visitors and tourists circulating in Morro de São Paulo.
Conclusion
O Integrated Sustainable Tourism Development Plan – PDITS Cairu This is an inspiring example of how a tourism planning tool can effectively contribute to the economic and social development of a tourist destination. The combined efforts of Girus Soluções em Turismo, Sebrae, the Municipal Tourism Secretariat, the tourism industry, and the local community were essential to the success of the project, reinforcing the importance of integration and united efforts in favor of tourism in Morro de São Paulo – Cairu Archipelago.
In summary, this case study highlights how the Girus Tourism Solutions It can contribute to the process of integrated and sustainable tourism planning and development, promoting cultural appreciation, environmental conservation, and the participation of local populations, resulting in the generation of employment and income in tourist destinations.