Introduction
In this case study, we will present theMunicipal Tourism Plan – PMT Blumenau, This project, commissioned by the Municipal Secretariat of Tourism and Leisure – SETUR in partnership with Sebrae/SC and executed by Girus Soluções em Turismo, was delivered in 2022 with the aim of promoting the sustainable development of tourism in Blumenau. It values the interaction and integration of tourists with the municipality, fosters entrepreneurship, and enhances the quality of the tourist experience and the quality of life for the residents of Blumenau.
The context
Located in the Itajaí Valley region, Blumenau stands out for its German cultural heritage, evident in its architecture, gastronomy, and events such as Oktoberfest. It is an important business center, hosting fairs and congresses, and has a diversified economy, particularly in the textile and technology industries, making it an attractive destination for tourists and investors. Specifically in the tourism sector, Blumenau excels in offering attractions related to Business and Events Tourism, Cultural Tourism, Gastronomic Tourism, Ecotourism, and Adventure Tourism, mainly due to its cycling tourism activities.
Girus Soluções em Turismo's contribution to the tourism planning process in Blumenau.
Girus Soluções em Turismo has a long history of working to strengthen tourism in Blumenau, as we were responsible for developing the Integrated Tourism Development Plans – PDITS of New Russia (2018) and from Vila Itoupava (2021), guiding documents for the development of tourism in two important tourist locations in the Blumenau region.
In 2022, Girus returned to the municipality to develop the Municipal Tourism Plan (PMT) for Blumenau. With the goal of guiding the process of strengthening tourism in Blumenau, the Municipal Tourism Plan was structured around a set of strategies linked to the following thematic areas:
I- Tourism Product:
- Maximize the supply of infrastructure to support tourism;
- To enhance the supply of innovative and segmented tourism products and services.
II- Communication and Support for Tourism Marketing:
- To generate consistent visitor demand for Blumenau, throughout all year round;
- Expand Blumenau's digital presence and the marketing of tourism products on OTAs.
III- Socio-environmental Sustainability:
- To maximize the sustainable tourism development of Blumenau;
- To promote accessibility to tourism practices and activities in Blumenau;
- To raise awareness among the local population, tourists, and municipal managers about environmental conservation and the sustainable development of tourism in Blumenau.
IV- Institutional Strengthening:
- To ensure the professional, innovative and efficient management of tourism in Blumenau;
- To optimize institutional and financial support for the sustainable development of tourism in Blumenau.
V- Infrastructure:
- Expand the supply of basic infrastructure and support for tourism in the municipality of Blumenau.
The implementation of the Blumenau Municipal Tourism Plan and its results for the destination.
Delivered in 2022, the Blumenau Municipal Tourism Plan is already being recognized as an instrument that guides the tourism development process in Blumenau. Several actions proposed in the PMT have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented, with the following being particularly noteworthy:
- Resumption of partnership and investments in the Blumenau and Vale Europeu Convention & Visitors Bureau for the promotion of tourism in Blumenau (May 2023). See here!
- Revitalization of the Arches Bridge, a project that included painting the bridge, cleaning services, replacement of street furniture, railings, and landscaping (April 2024). See here!
- Conducting a Tourist Demand Survey: The Municipality of Blumenau has initiated a study to identify the profile and evaluate the satisfaction of tourists visiting the city. The survey, being conducted by the Regional University of Blumenau (FURB), began in February 2024 and is expected to survey 1,800 tourists by January 2025. See here!
- Implementation of the Blumenau Convention Center (Delivery scheduled for 2025). See here!
- Implementation of the Boulevard at Vila Germânica Park, a structure built in partnership with Spaten, the official brewery of Oktoberfest (September 2024). See here!
Conclusion
O Blumenau Municipal Tourism Plan – PMT The Blumenau Tourism Master Plan (PMT Blumenau) was conceived through the combined efforts of Girus Soluções em Turismo, Sebrae/SC, and the Municipality of Blumenau, presenting itself as an important tool for the tourism planning process in one of the main municipalities of Santa Catarina. The implementation of the actions proposed in the PMT Blumenau will contribute to strengthening tourism, increasing the flow of visitors and tourists, thus promoting socioeconomic development and generating employment and income in the municipality of Blumenau.
Finally, the execution of Blumenau Municipal Tourism Plan – PMT This demonstrates Girus Soluções em Turismo's technical capacity to guide the process of sustainable and integrated tourism planning and management of Brazilian tourist destinations.