The update to the General Tourism Law: Implications for Brazilian tourist destinations and businesses.

The enactment of Law No. 14,978, of September 18, 2024, introduces changes to Brazilian tourism legislation, updating the guidelines of Law No. 11,771, of September 17, 2008. The update seeks to adapt the sector to contemporary demands, recognizing tourism as a crucial element in the country's economy. The main objective of Law No. 14,978/2024 is to promote the modernization of tourism practices, incorporating guidelines that respond to a constantly evolving scenario. 

Review of the National Tourism Policy 

Law No. 14,978/2024 introduces important changes to the National Tourism Policy. With the growth of tourism activities as a source of income and employment, the updated legislation aims to guarantee development that considers local specificities and environmental, economic, and social sustainability. One of the central points is the strengthening of public-private partnerships to enable projects and improve tourism infrastructure. The effectiveness of these partnerships will depend on the transparent execution of processes, making it possible to learn from the experience of other sectors to maximize benefits for Brazilian tourism. 

Digitization and innovation of Brazilian tourist destinations.  

Another highlight of Law No. 14,978/2024 is the encouragement of digitalization and innovation, promoting the use of digital technologies for planning and promoting destinations. This change caters to a connected audience that expects easy access to information. It is crucial that this digitalization includes not only marketing tools but also the training of professionals in the sector, with metrics to evaluate the impact of training programs. 

Inclusive and regionalized tourism 

Law No. 14,978/2024 also seeks to promote more inclusive tourism and the development of less explored destinations, ensuring that benefits are distributed more equitably and valuing regional cultures. The encouragement of experiential tourism, which connects visitors to local culture and nature, is a growing trend, the effectiveness of which will depend on proper planning and investment. 

Updates to the General Tourism Law that impact the planning and management of tourist destinations. 

Updates to the General Tourism Law (Law No. 14,978/2024) provide essential guidelines for improving the planning and public management of Brazilian tourist destinations.  

Node Article 5, The inclusion of item VI provides for the promotion of decentralization and regionalization of tourism, encouraging States, the Federal District, and Municipalities to plan, organize, and monitor tourism activities in their territories in a sustainable and safe manner. The inclusion of item XVI encourages collaboration with the private sector in financing and executing infrastructure and services fundamental to tourism, promoting sustainable and collaborative development. Item XVII establishes that national tourism should prioritize competitiveness, innovation, and deregulation, elements that are vital for the quality and safety of the services offered. Also within the scope of qualification, item XIX encourages continuous professional development, while item XX highlights the importance of organizing and sharing statistical data, which results in crucial support for strategic decision-making. 

Node Article 26, Brazilian Law No. 14,978/2024 establishes that accommodation establishments must periodically provide the Ministry of Tourism with information on guest profiles and occupancy data, such as length of stay and average number of people per unit. This information is valuable for mapping tourist behavior and adapting services according to the sector's needs. Furthermore, the Article 41 It reinforces the requirement for tourism service providers to register with the Ministry of Tourism, stipulating penalties of warnings and fines for those with expired or irregular registrations, promoting greater formalization of the sector and increasing safety for visitors. 

In turn, the new wording of Art. 45-A It classifies tourism promotion actions as a national priority, guiding them to be strategically included in the sector's planning and regulations, in order to strengthen the competitiveness of Brazilian destinations and increase the visibility of tourism on the global stage. 

Final considerations 

In summary, the new General Tourism Law brings a comprehensive update to the National Tourism Policy, guiding the sector towards a more decentralized, regionalized, and competitive management model. With incentives for innovation, formalization, and collaboration between the public and private sectors, the legislation establishes a foundation aimed at better organizing the country's tourism infrastructure and offerings. These changes aim to modernize the planning and public management of Brazilian destinations, promoting a more organized and secure structure to meet the needs of the contemporary tourist. 

References: 

BRAZIL. Law No. 14,978, of September 17, 2024. Amends Laws No. 7,064 of December 6, 1982, 7,565 of December 19, 1986 (Brazilian Aeronautics Code), 11,771 of September 17, 2008 (General Tourism Law), 12,462 of August 4, 2011, 13,097 of January 19, 2015, and 13,146 of July 6, 2015 (Statute of Persons with Disabilities), to promote the modernization of tourism; provides for the transfer of Infraero employees; Repeals Decree-Law No. 1,439, of December 30, 1975, and Law No. 6,513, of December 20, 1977, and provisions of Laws No. 12,833, of June 20, 2013, and 12,974, of May 15, 2014. Amends Laws No. 7,064, of December 6, 1982, 7,565, of December 19, 1986 (Brazilian Aeronautics Code), 11,771, of September 17, 2008 (General Tourism Law), 12,462, of August 4, 2011, 13,097, of January 19, 2015, and 13,146, of July 6, 2016. 2015 (Statute of Persons with Disabilities), To Promote the Modernization of Tourism; Provides for the Transfer of Infraero Employees; Repeals Decree-Law No. 1,439, of December 30, 1975, and Law No. 6,513, of December 20, 1977, and Provisions of Laws No. 12,833, of June 20, 2013, and 12,974, of May 15, 2014. Brasília, DF, September 19, 2024. Available at: Accessed on: October 25, 2024. 

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