The Future of Regional Tourism: How the Ministry of Tourism’s New Guidelines Reinforce Watrip’s Vision

February 25, 2026 · WATRIP

Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism has published Ordinance MTur No. 1/2026, which updates the guidelines of the Tourism Regionalization Program (PRT) and the Brazilian Tourism Map. This new regulation brings closer alignment between the federal government, states, tourism regions and municipalities, giving the sector a more robust structure.

At Watrip, formal compliance is not new; it is our foundation. While the market gets organized to meet the new standards of governance and planning, our operation was built from the start on respect for the rules and on the organization of the tourism trade in Nova Friburgo.

Regional governance and standardization

The new regulation clearly defines the role of Regional Governance Bodies (IGRs), recognizing them as private, non-profit entities that represent tourism regions. These bodies must have a three-part membership, bringing together government, the private sector and civil society.

We understand that regional development depends on this coordinated cooperation, which the federal government is now standardizing, so that tourism growth happens in an integrated, professional way.

Structured criteria for the Tourism Map

The ordinance sets more structured criteria for inclusion in the Brazilian Tourism Map:

Municipalities: must present the membership of their Municipal Tourism Council and a work plan for the entire term of office.
Renewal: now requires proof of the municipality’s active participation in its IGR.
Deadlines: to ensure legal certainty, the minimum deadline for requesting renewal of registration has been extended from 60 to 90 days.

Implementation timeline and funding

The Ministry of Tourism set a transition period, with the new rules applied in the Brazilian Tourism Map Information System (SISMAPA) from April 1, 2026. Until that date, reviews follow the previous framework, allowing an orderly transition for the sector.

Beyond governance, the government is reinforcing the role of the New Fungetur, which offers credit lines to modernize and expand tourism businesses at attractive rates and with grace periods of up to five years. This support is essential for formally registered companies that keep investing in quality and operational safety.

The Ministry of Tourism’s new guidelines usher in a period of greater clarity and professionalism for Brazilian tourism. For visitors, this means that by choosing Watrip they choose a company that operates in full compliance with the regulatory framework and the best practices of Brazilian tourism.

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