Entities pressure Moro against the extinction of the Tourism Secretariat

Representatives of the tourism sector of the Paraná are mobilizing to prevent a possible merger or extinction of the State Secretariat for Tourism (SETU) in the next state management. In a letter dated Thursday (12), business entities, associations, trade unions and tourism promotion organizations referred to the elected governor, Sergio Moro (PL), a formal request to maintain the independent secretariat and strengthen the Viaje Paraná.

The demonstration comes amid discussions on the administrative reform intended by the future governor, who has already declared his intention to reduce the structure of the state government. Although Moro has signalled changes in the number of secretariats, a decision on the future of the Tourism portfolio has not yet been officially announced.

The document, titled Letter in defense of the maintenance and strengthening of the State Secretariat for Tourism and the Viaje Paraná, argues that a possible reduction of the institutional structure dedicated to the sector may compromise investments, the promotion of destinations and the economic development of different regions of Paraná.

Ponta Grossa and Campos Gerais participate in the mobilization

Among the signatories are prominent entities of Ponta Grossa and Campos Gerais, demonstrating the regional concern with possible changes in the state structure of tourism.

The letter has the participation of the Commercial, Industrial and Business Association of Ponta Grossa (ACIPG), represented by the Director of Tourism, Leandro Ribas; of Adetur Campos Gerais, chaired by Guilherme Forbeck; and of the Visit Ponta Grossa, represented by João Guilherme Castro.

Also participating are the Abrasel Regional Campos Gerais, represented by Lucas Christiano and Klas, and the Campos Gerais Business Union and Gastronomy (SEHG), chaired by José Schell Junior.

Regional participation is gaining importance in the face of investments in nature tourism, gastronomy, rural tourism, historical heritage, events and promotion of the attractions of Campos Gerais.

For these regions, the continuity of state policies makes it possible to expand the dissemination of destinations, strengthen integrated routes and connect municipalities to business opportunities in the national and international markets.

Tourism moves billions and entities warn of economic risks

To justify the maintenance of the structures, the letter presents indicators on the economic relevance of tourism in Paraná.

According to the data presented by the entities, the activity influences up to 571 economic segments and generates a direct, indirect and induced impact of more than R$ 60 billion per year in the state.

The document also points out that the Paraná brings together more than 200,000 companies related to tourism, occupying the fourth national position in this indicator.

Another highlight is the arrival of foreign tourists. According to the figures cited by the signatories, the state registered 1,064,416 international visitors in 2025, consolidating its position among the main gateways of entry for tourists in Brazil.

The indicators are presented by the entities as a justification for the continuity of investments and specific public policies for the sector.

Sector wants independent secretary and technical managers

One of the central points of the demonstration is the defense of SETU as its own secretariat, without incorporation into other folders.

In the evaluation of the signatories, the structure is responsible for the planning, coordination and articulation of public policies, while Viaje Paraná acts in the promotion and marketing of tourist destinations.

Organisations recognize the importance of improving administrative efficiency and controlling public spending, but argue that a reorganization should not weaken the institutions responsible for tourism development.

The letter also asks the future government to consider technical criteria in the choice of SETU and Viaje Paraná leaders, as well as to listen to representatives of the private sector, regional governances and other entities involved in the activity.

The debate takes place during the transition process between the government of Ratinho Junior and the administration of Sergio Moro, who will assume the State on January 1, 2027. The transition teams officially began their work on November 5.

Differences on administrative reform

The discussion on the future of the secretariats also presents different positions within the tourism sector.

The Federation of Hosting, Gastronomy, Entertainment and Leisure Companies of Paraná (Feturism), for example, expressed support for the evaluation of administrative reorganization alternatives, including the possibility of integration between Tourism, Culture and Sport, as long as based on technical and economic criteria.

The entity has not previously defended the merger of these secretariats, but considers legitimate the analysis of models that can generate economy and efficiency.

The signatory organizations of the letter expressly advocate the preservation of the institutional autonomy of the Secretariat of State for Tourism.

Until the publication of this article, there was no official confirmation of the extinction or merger of SETU in the future management.

The following BnT Online makes available the full statement sent to the elected governor, including the claims and the relationship of the signatory entities.

Read the full letter sent to Sergio Moro

Document dated November 12, 2026, in Curitiba. Transcription with organization of paragraphs to facilitate reading.

Letter in defense of the maintenance and strengthening of the Secretariat of State for Tourism and Viaje Paraná

Curitiba, November 12, 2026.

To His Excellency Mr. Sergio Fernando Moro

Governor-elect of the State of Paraná

Curitiba, Paraná

Subject: Continuity and strengthening of public tourism policies in Paraná

Your Excellency Mr. Sérgio Moro – Governor-elect of Paraná,

The signatory entities, representing different segments of tourism in Paraná, including destination promotion organizations, business entities and other institutions committed to the tourism development of the State, respectfully come to present their demonstration in defense of the continuity and strengthening of the public tourism policies of Paraná.

Tourism is a strategic activity for the economic and social development of the Paraná, when heated impacts up to 571 economic activities and directly adds, indirectly and induced a value exceeding R$ 60 billion annually in our economy, Generating employment and income, Attracting investments, Stimulating entrepreneurship, valuing the natural heritage, cultural and expanding opportunities for municipalities of different sizes and regions, today the Paraná is the 4th state in number of Tourism companies in the country, more than 200,000 companies contribute to Paraná being the 4th entry gate for International Tourists from Brazil breaking the record of 1,064,416 international tourists in 2025.

In addition to the current impacts that place tourism as one of the largest export sectors in the world ($2 trillion), surpassing automobiles and food products, Google’s research in partnership with strategic consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal identified that International Tourism, which currently moves more than 1.5 billion travelers, should more than triple by 2050, reaching the number of 4.7 billion travelers who produce wealth in their countries.

In the face of these numbers, the absence of structured public policies is not an option — it is an economic, social and environmental risk. When well designed, tourism policies redistribute income, preserve heritage and strengthen the cultural identity of the territories.

Over the last few years, the Paraná has advanced in the organization of its state tourism policy, in the articulation between the different actors of the sector and in the promotion of its destinations in the national and international markets. These advances are the result of a collectively constructed work involving the State Government, municipalities, representative entities, regional governances and private initiative.

In this context, we highlight the importance of the Secretariat of State for Tourism (SETU) and Viaje Paraná, structures that perform complementary and strategic functions for the continuity of this process.

SETU plays a key role in the formulation, planning and articulation of public tourism policies, promoting integration between the State, municipalities, tourism regions and other institutions in the sector. Its work contributes to establishing guidelines, organizing priorities and creating conditions for tourism to be recognized as an effective instrument of development throughout Paraná.

The Viaje Paraná, in turn, plays a relevant role in the promotion and commercialization of the State’s tourist destinations, expanding its visibility, bringing Paraná’s attractions and products closer to the market and strengthening the relationship with operators, travel agents and other actors in the tourism distribution chain. The continuity of this work is essential to consolidate the positioning of Paraná as a competitive destination in the national and international scenarios.

These two structures, each with its attributions, contribute to connect planning, institutional articulation, product structuring and tourism promotion. Its results reach not only the already consolidated destinations, but also municipalities and regions that find in tourism opportunities for economic diversification, income generation and the enhancement of their identities.

For this development to continue, it is essential to preserve the institutional capacity of the State to plan, coordinate and promote tourism, maintaining a permanent dialogue with the representative entities and with the different territories of Paraná.

We recognize the importance of administrative modernization, efficiency in the application of public resources and evaluation of results. We understand, however, that these objectives can and should go together with the preservation of the strategic structures necessary for the implementation of consistent and long-term public policies.

In this sense, we consider especially important the maintenance of the Secretariat of State for Tourism as its own structure, preserving its institutional identity, its capacity for planning and its strategic performance, without its incorporation or merger with other folders.

We also advocate the improvement of legal and administrative instruments that ensure greater efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and continuity of public policies and programs in the sector.

The possible discontinuity or weakening of these structures could compromise initiatives, articulations, business relationships and promotion strategies built over the last years, with impacts on the competitiveness of destinations and the development opportunities of the regions.

The importance of representativeness and technical competence in management

In addition to the maintenance of these structures, we consider it fundamental that the composition of their leadership takes into account the experience, technical knowledge and effective commitment to the development of tourism.

In this sense, we request that the Paraná tourism trade be heard and considered in this process, contributing with their experience and knowledge about the needs, challenges and opportunities of the sector.

SETU and Viaje Paraná need to remain oriented by their institutional purposes, with prominence, articulation capacity and continuity of the strategies developed. For this, it is essential that their leaders are aligned to a technical agenda of development, promotion and tourism competitiveness, with commitment to goals, results and public interest.

The preservation of these institutions must mean, above all, the preservation of their mission. More than maintaining administrative structures, it is necessary to ensure that they continue to fulfill their strategic role for the Paraná, with qualified professionals, responsible management and permanent commitment to the development of state tourism.

In light of the foregoing, we respectfully request your Excellency:

The maintenance of the Secretariat of State for Tourism (SETU), preserving its institutional identity and its ability to plan, coordinate and articulate public tourism policies;

The maintenance and strengthening of the Viaje Paraná, ensuring the continuity and expansion of actions to promote, commercialize and position Paraná destinations in the national and international markets;

The appreciation of technical competence and sectoral experience in the composition of the leadership of these institutions, with the listening and participation of the tourism trade in this process;

The continuity of public tourism policies and regional articulation, strengthening the integration between the State, municipalities, regional governances, private initiative and other institutions of the sector;

The preservation of SETU and Viaje Paraná’s prominence and institutional purposes, ensuring that its structures and teams are committed to the planning, execution and evaluation of actions aimed at the tourism development of Paraná.

We reiterate that our purpose is to contribute to the development of tourism in Paraná in an integrated, sustainable and competitive way, with public policies that transcend the cycles of government and allow to broaden the economic and social results of the activity in all regions of the State.

The signatory entities are available to contribute to the dialogue, planning and joint construction of strategies that strengthen tourism as a vector of state development, respecting the priorities of future management and recognizing the importance of cooperation between public power and organized society.

We are sure that we can count on your attention to this agenda of collective interest, we thank and express our best wishes for success in the leadership of the Government of the State of Paraná.

Carefully,

SIGNATORIES

ABRAJET PR - Association of Tourism Journalists - Sectional Paraná

the President of the Republic

ABRASEL - Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants - do PARANÁ

Luis Fernando Menu | President

ABRASEL REGIONAL CAMPOS GERAIS - Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants

The Christian Church and the President

ABRASEL Regional North of Paraná

Henrico César Tamiozzo

ACIAP - Industrial and Agricultural Trade Association of Paranaguá

Fabio Martins | President

ACIM - Business Commercial Association of Maringá

José Carlos Barbieri

ACIPG - Commercial, Industrial and Business Association of Ponta Grossa

Leandro Ribas | Director of Tourism

ACMT AGUDOS DO SUL

Diego Cruz Luca

ADECSUL - Terra dos Pinheiras

Murilo de Lima | President

Adetur Way of Waters

Carlos Marcelo Martins

Adetur Campos Gerais

Guilherme Forbeck

Adetur Falls and Paths

Sandra Finkler

Adetur Litoral do Paraná (Agência de Desenvolvimento do Turismo Sustentável do Litoral)

Rafael Folmann

Adetur Wealth of the West

Josie Daiane Borelli

ADETUR Pinhão Routes - Curitiba and Metropolitan Region

Edelar Luiz Comparin | President

ADETURS Ecoaventura, Stories and Flavors

Deviane Pereira de Paz

Travel and Ecotourism Agency Foot in the Mountain

Murilo de Lima

Brazilian Association of the Hotel Industry of Paraná (ABIH-PR)

Paulo Iglesias | President

Brazilian Association of Event Companies – Section Paraná (ABEOC-PR)

Newton Paulo Angeli | Representative

Brazilian Association of Travel Agents - Paraná

Geraldo José Zaidan Rocha

Association of Microbreweries of Paraná - PROCERVA

Everton Delfino

ATEMA - Associação de Turismo, Cultura e Meio Ambiente do Vale do Iguaçu

Eliane Aparecida da Rocha

Good Gourmet Ltda.

Andrea Sorgenfrei | CEO

Technical Chamber of Tourism and Culture of CODEM

Miguel Fernando | President

Brazil Tourism Ambassadors Collective

Thiago Paes

Colombo Convention Bureau

Hercilio Struck

COMTUR - Londrina Municipal Tourism Council

Adriana Pontin | President

COMTUR - Municipal Council of Tourism of Morretes

Gilton Dias Junior

Curtiba Convention (Instituto Turismo de Eventos)

Gislaine Queiroz

Eco Parque Pinho de Baixo

Murilo de Lima | Business Consultant

Charms of the Ipes

Ronnye Tambani

Fecomércio Paraná

Ary Faria Bittencourt

Brazilian Federation of Hosting and Food - Chapter Paraná (FBHA)

Daniel Wagner

Paraná Federation of Bodyboarding

Andrio Costa Marques Figueira

Paraná Federation of Steel Horses - MÓI

JACKSON APPEARED VENDRUSCOLO | PRESIDENT

Feigtur- Federation of the Regional Tourism Governance Instances of Paraná

Katia L Muller

Tourism Governance of Londrina

Fabio Luporini

Tourism Guides of the Coast of Paraná

Camila Campestrini do Rosário (Kalu) | professional instructor

Tourism Guides Wealth of the West

Samara L Rohden | Tourism Guide

IGR Águas do Arenito Caiuá - AARCA

João Artur Casado | President

Igr Green Belt

Francesca Luzia Briga

IGR Vales do Iguaçu

Edilberto Minsky

Instituto Ilha do Mel de Turismo & Events (Convention Visit the Island)

Tassialy Washington | President

LCB - Visit Londrina

Fernando Teixeira | President (With advice)

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