Project empowers Haliti-Paresi indigenous people to boost regenerative tourism in Mato Grosso.

247 - An initiative that combines sustainability, income generation, and cultural appreciation is transforming tourism in the Haliti-Paresi Indigenous Territory, in Tangará da Serra (MT). According to information from the Samaúma Institute, the "Towards Regenerative Tourism" training program has empowered 48 people from five villages to work on community-based tourism experiences, focused on the regeneration of the territory and the economic autonomy of indigenous peoples.

Held over ten weeks, the initiative is the result of a partnership between the Samaúma Institute and the Bancorbrás Institute (IB), with the support of the Tangará da Serra City Hall. The project concluded on October 4th, marking the start of activities for the new tourist routes developed by the indigenous people themselves.

“We seek to complement the training that had already been done with the Haliti-Paresi people, meeting a demand from the indigenous people themselves: to effectively begin receiving visitors,” explained Daniel Cabrera, executive director of the Samaúma Institute and Vivalá - Sustainable Tourism in Brazil. “We work strongly in the promotion and distribution of ethnotourism, redesigning itineraries to adapt them to market demand and, at the same time, intensifying the regenerative impact of the activities.”

Tourism as a driver of regeneration and income.

In June, the first expedition organized after the project began generated R$ 7.956,44 in community-based products and services. The expectation is that, by the end of 2025, this value will exceed R$ 20, with new trips scheduled for November and December. Projections indicate that, starting in 2026, the total could surpass R$ 70, consolidating regenerative tourism as one of the main sources of local income.

The Bancorbrás Institute, an investor in the initiative, emphasizes that the project aligns with its purpose of strengthening a more responsible tourism ecosystem. “The project Towards Regenerative Tourism "This reinforces the Bancorbrás Institute's commitment to investing in initiatives that generate a real positive impact on communities and the environment," the institution stated. "By supporting the development of ethnotourism among the Haliti-Paresi people, we strengthen local autonomy and cultural preservation, in addition to reaffirming the socio-environmental responsibility of the Bancorbrás Group."

Itineraries highlight culture and environmental preservation.

During the training process, participants developed five new itineraries, with detailed activities, meals, accommodation, transportation, and pricing. Some packages are short-term—one to two days—and are especially geared towards schools. In these packages, students can participate in body painting workshops, archery practice, traditional sports, Arawak language classes, and experiences related to the history of the village and indigenous weaving.

Other itineraries, lasting five days and four nights, were designed for tourists interested in ethnotourism and immersive experiences. On these expeditions, visitors participate in hikes, river bathing, and storytelling sessions around the campfire, sleep in indigenous homes, and sample traditional Haliti-Paresi cuisine.

Beyond cultural experiences, sustainability was a priority at all stages of the training. Ecological sanitation and water harvesting solutions were developed, seeking to avoid environmental impacts. The initiative also contributes to the preservation of tradition and the strengthening of the cultural identity of the Paresí people. Participant satisfaction was measured using the NPS (Net Promoter Score) index, which recorded an average score of 8,9.

Dissemination and professionalization

The final stage of the training included the creation of promotional materials, such as brochures, presentations, and posters, aimed at both the general public and partners in the tourism sector. Through the Vivalá Partner Area, the first sustainable tourism affiliate platform in Brazil, travel agencies and agents can access itineraries in real time, consult calendars, commission rates, and obtain professional photos and videos.

Practical training and ongoing support.

The activities were conducted using the methodology of the Vivalá Business University, with over 10 hours of application and more than 700 community entrepreneurs already trained. All modules were 100% practical and conducted online, with content made available weekly and synchronous meetings on Saturdays. The technical team maintained two facilitators available for continuous support, and the monitoring of the communities will continue until February 2026.

The project integrates the Menanehaliti movement, a term in Arawak meaning "endless continuity"—a name that symbolizes the Haliti-Paresi vision for regenerative tourism. The proposal aims to ensure that the development of tourism activities occurs in a structured way, with indigenous peoples at the center of decision-making, leading a model that combines environmental conservation, income generation, and cultural appreciation.