In July 2025, Brazil’s federal government signed into law the Law to Encourage Visitation in Protected Areas, establishing the National Visitation Incentive Policy. It is a regulatory milestone that expands access to national, state and municipal parks, always focused on environmental protection, social inclusion, visitor safety and sustainable income.
Full text of the law (in Portuguese): https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2023-2026/2025/lei/l15180.htm
Why does this law matter?
Until now, visits to protected areas were limited by a lack of infrastructure, funding and coordination between public policies. With the new law, Brazil takes an important step to:
- better equip visitor areas, with trails, visitor centers, restrooms, viewpoints and support areas;
- encourage environmental education and shared awareness of ecosystem protection;
- promote social inclusion, with accessibility for people with disabilities, special rates for local residents and greater participation of traditional communities;
- strengthen ecotourism as a driver of regional development.
Key points of the law
- Sustainability: sustainable building techniques and constant monitoring of environmental impacts.
- Safety: the obligation to ensure codes of conduct, trained guides and infrastructure suited to the type of visit (low, medium or high level of intervention).
- Visitation Incentive Fund: a dedicated financial mechanism to fund actions and projects for visitation in protected areas.
- Cultural value: support for community-based tourism, led by traditional peoples and communities.
Watrip Turismo’s role in this new scenario
At Watrip, we see this law as reinforcing the values that already guide our work:
- Sustainability: we operate with environmental responsibility, reducing impacts and supporting conservation.
- Safety: we value clear protocols, trained guides and constant supervision in every activity.
- Excellent service: every guest is welcomed warmly and professionally, with attention to detail, for a memorable experience.
- Support for the community: we build local partnerships, strengthening the regional economy and encouraging community-based tourism.
Conclusion
The new law is not just a legal step forward; it is an opportunity to rethink Brazilian tourism. More than visiting, it is about experiencing nature with awareness and respect.
Watrip Turismo reaffirms its commitment: to be the link between visitors and protected areas, delivering safe, sustainable and unforgettable experiences.
✨ Responsible tourism starts here. Live this experience with Watrip.
