Barbosinha: “Smart, sustainable and inclusive tourism is the new vector for development in Mato Grosso do Sul”

Mato Grosso do Sul has distinguished itself nationally and internationally for its innovative public policies focused on sustainable tourism, cultural appreciation, and the promotion of new economic drivers. Leading some of these initiatives is Lieutenant Governor José Carlos Barbosa—known as Barbosinha—a lawyer, master's degree holder in Constitutional Law, university professor, and former mayor of Angélica, who now serves alongside Governor Eduardo Riedel as state governor.

In an exclusive interview with Travel2Latam, Barbosinha shares the state's progress and challenges in transforming Mato Grosso do Sul's tourism industry into a model of sustainability, inclusion, and innovation. With a career marked by public safety, basic sanitation, and environmental preservation, he speaks enthusiastically about the region's potential: from the agribusiness sector that hosts trade fairs and hotels to investments in the Pantanal's biodiversity.

Agribusiness tourism: when the countryside becomes a technological showcase

"Events like Expogrande, ExpoAgro Dourados, and Pantanal Tech have strengthened municipalities with less natural tourism potential but high potential for rural innovation," Barbosinha emphasizes. The strength of agribusiness in the state goes beyond the trade balance—it drives fairs, exhibitions, and technical conferences that stimulate the hotel sector and regional gastronomy.

So-called agrotechnological tourism is consolidating itself as a new economic axis.

"So-called agrotechnological tourism strengthens, above all, municipalities with less natural tourism potential, but with strong potential in rural production and innovation in the field," he states.

Regarding the most relevant logistics modes, Barbosinha is categorical: "They all play a strategic role. Road transport connects the border regions with Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina. Aviation, on the other hand, connects cities like Bonito, Corumbá, and Dourados to the rest of Brazil. Each mode meets a specific demand and needs to be valued."

Campo Grande: from urban tranquility to cultural stage

With the MS Ao Vivo project, Campo Grande has taken on a new dimension as a tourist destination. "The main focus is to offer leisure to the population, but the project also serves as a complementary attraction for visitors," explains the vice-governor.

But other areas are repositioning the capital. "The appreciation of the Pantanal Biopark, birdwatching, urban parks, and the city's tranquil atmosphere make Campo Grande a multicultural destination with integrated nature," he observes.

Pantanal and Serra da Bodoquena: conservation as an international strategy

The natural gems of Mato Grosso do Sul are on the global radar—and the government has prioritized these regions. "We're investing in infrastructure, such as paving MS-178, Estrada do 21, and MS-427, which facilitates access to beach resorts and inns," he reveals.

To ensure environmental and tourist safety, the State invests in programs such as the Pantanal Fund and the Copaíbas Program, which strengthen the management of conservation areas and traditional communities.

"The Tourism Foundation is leading an ambitious project: to establish Mato Grosso do Sul as a carbon-neutral and smart destination. It's tourism with identity, capacity control, and a commitment to nature," explains Barbosinha.

MS Ativo: tourism born from listening and local vocation

Not just Bonito or the Pantanal. The MS Ativo program works to identify and develop the tourism potential of cities still off the beaten path.

"We work with active listening, technical support, and guidance so that each municipality can discover and develop its tourism uniqueness," says Barbosinha. The Tourism Foundation offers training and integrates these cities into already established routes.

The objective is clear: to make tourism a driver of local and sustainable development throughout Mato Grosso do Sul.

International hospitality and the new profile of the green investor

The arrival of large hotel chains is on the state's radar. "We have maintained dialogue with national and international groups interested in sustainable ventures," reveals the lieutenant governor.

In 2023, technical visits were conducted in several regions—including those outside the most popular destinations—and the focus, according to Barbosinha, is on raising the standard of environmentally responsible hotels. "We want to attract investments that respect our environmental commitment and offer excellence to tourists from Brazil and around the world."

Accessible tourism: inclusion with protagonism and active listening

The commitment to accessibility goes beyond legislation. In Mato Grosso do Sul, this right has a face, a voice, and specific coordination within the Tourism Foundation. "Our state-level accessible tourism program is led by a visually impaired professional, which reinforces protagonism and qualified listening," says Barbosinha.

In addition to mapping accessible attractions, as was done in Serra da Bodoquena, the state is working on developing accessible tourism routes and training the trade. "Inclusion needs to be real, structured, and human. It's about guaranteeing everyone the right to leisure, culture, and discovery," he concludes.

Interview: Mary de Aquino.

Photo: Divulgação.