Ponta Grossa found in tourism a vocation for the future by Leandro Ribas

There are cities that grow driven by industry, others by trade or the strength of agribusiness. Ponta Grossa combines all these characteristics, but in recent years it has started to show another equally transformative vocation: tourism.

The municipality began to understand its natural, historical and cultural heritage as a strategic asset, whose valorization is able to move the local economy, generate opportunities and strengthen the sense of belonging of the population.

This path has been built over time. The city has invested in infrastructure, qualification, promotion of the destination and appreciation of its attractions, becoming a reference for those seeking experiences linked to nature, culture, gastronomy and history. Located about an hour from the capital of Paraná, Ponta Grossa brings together characteristics that favor this development and bring visitors closer to one of the most fascinating natural scenarios in the South of Brazil.

The results of this work have been recognized. Last year, Prefeitura de Ponta Grossa announced that the municipality won, for the second consecutive year, Category A on the Brazilian Tourism Map, a ranking by the Ministry of Tourism for destinations with the highest performance in criteria such as visitor flow, tourism structure, collection and job generation related to the activity. Sustaining this position for two years in a row indicates that tourism has ceased to be a complementary activity and has become part of the strategic planning of the city.

This movement follows a reality observed throughout the Paraná. According to the State Government, tourism in Paraná continues to grow, driven by an increase in the flow of visitors, the strengthening of infrastructure and the diversification of experiences offered in different regions. In this same context, according to Embratur, the Paraná has also reached projection on the international scene, following the growth of the arrival of foreign tourists to Brazil interested in destinations that offer nature and outdoor experiences.

Ponta Grossa participates in this privileged scenario. In addition to the strategic location, the city has attractions that dialogue with different profiles of visitors. Waterfalls, geological formations, rural tourism, gastronomy, historical heritage and events form a set of attractions capable of stimulating the return of the visitor and extending their time in the region.

I accompany daily people who come from different states and countries to know a natural heritage that has gone through millions of years to reach the form we know today. The Sands, the Furnas and the Golden Lagoon arouse curiosity for the beauty of the landscapes, but also for the scientific, geological and environmental value they represent. At the same time, the conservation unit protects important remnants of Natural Fields and Atlantic Forest, contributing to the preservation of Paraná biodiversity and to the production of knowledge through research and environmental education actions.

As director of Vila Velha State Park and director of tourism at ACIPG, I find it very interesting to realize that this experience rarely ends in the boundaries of the park. Many visitors take advantage of the trip to see other attractions of Ponta Grossa and Campos Gerais, moving hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, rural properties, tour guides and local commerce. This integration strengthens the entire production chain and shows how different destinations can grow together, each with its particularities and its importance for the identity of the region.

This is perhaps one of the greatest learnings provided by tourism: it creates connections. It brings people closer to nature, arouses interest in history, encourages heritage conservation and distributes opportunities across different segments of the economy. When planned responsibly, its benefits outweigh the numbers and achieve the quality of life of the population.

Ponta Grossa meets all the conditions to continue writing an inspiring story in this sector. It has unique natural riches, a privileged location, a diversity of experiences and a population that increasingly understands the value of tourism as an instrument of development. To continue investing in this vocation means preparing the city for the future, generating employment, income, knowledge and pride for those who live here.

Nature has taken millions of years to sculpt the landscapes that make Ponta Grossa a unique destination. It is up to us to transform this heritage into opportunities, always with responsibility, actions aimed at conservation, planning and respect. When development, care and hospitality go together, it is not just tourism that wins. It's the whole town.

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Article by Leandro Ribas for the book "PONTA GROSSA: From the route of the tropeiros to the tracks of innovation"

Read the other articles of the book here!