Sicredi bets on tourism and promotes regional products to boost the local economy

Sicredi is betting on the strength of cooperativism to boost tourism, enhance regional products and generate new business opportunities. The strategy goes beyond offering financial solutions and seeks to strengthen the identity of communities, encourage entrepreneurship and contribute to local economic development.

An example of this work takes place at Nova Petrópolis, at Serra Gaúcha, where Sicredi Pioneira develops, in partnership with Sebrae, a project to encourage the geographical indication of traditional products. The initiative aims to enhance the origin, quality and history of these products, expanding its presence in the market and creating new possibilities for regional tourism.

The experience also points to paths that can be adopted in other Brazilian regions, including the Campos Gerais, in the Paraná, where rural tourism, gastronomy and local products represent development opportunities.

Geographical indication strengthens local products and producers

According to Paola Benevenuto, Tourism Advisor at Sicredi Pioneira, the project initially works with four products that represent the characteristics and traditions of the region.

They are the honey of Nova Petrópolis, the colonial chimier of Presidente Lucena, the colonial cheese of Serra Gaúcha and the lavender of Morro Reuter.

According to Paola, the work is developed collectively, involving producers, associations and partner institutions.

Geographical indication is a recognition granted to products that have a link with a given territory, whether for reputation, characteristics or qualities related to origin.

In addition to adding commercial value, this recognition contributes to preserving traditions, strengthening cooperativism and opening new markets.

The advisor explains that the organization of producers is an essential step in the process. In Nova Petrópolis, an association has already been constituted. In Presidente Lucena, the structuring is underway. The colonial cheese of Serra Gaúcha brings together producers from eight municipalities, while the lavender segment also has an association organization.

Gastronomy and tourism connect to cooperativism

One of the differentials of the project is the integration between regional production and tourism experiences.

The honey of Nova Petrópolis, for example, can gain space in restaurants, hotels and other establishments linked to tourism, valuing local gastronomy and expanding commercial opportunities for producers.

Another example cited by Paola is the Lavender Route, which brings together experiences in different enterprises of the region.

The itinerary includes visits to laundromats, cosmetic establishments, breweries and candy shops that use lavender in the elaboration of their products.

In this way, a regional product moves different sectors of the economy, stimulating consumption, attracting visitors and contributing to the generation of income.

For Paola, the development of tourism is directly related to the strengthening of these production chains, especially when there is a joint action between cooperatives, entrepreneurs and institutions.

Entrepreneurs highlight support of Sicredi

The impact of this proximity is also perceived by those who are ahead of local businesses.

The entrepreneur Rafael Wazlawick, owner of an enterprise in the region, highlights the support offered by Sicredi to initiatives that help to disseminate products and services.

“Speaking in cooperative, Sicredi super stands out, because it supports us with materials, with many initiatives,” he says.

Rafael also highlights the involvement of the cooperative’s team with entrepreneurs, especially in the search for opportunities to increase the visibility of the business.

The testimony reinforces the importance of actions that are not limited to credit, but include articulation, relationship and stimulus to joint growth of enterprises.

Experience can inspire tourism in the Campos Gerais

The project developed by Sicredi Pioneer at Serra Gaúcha presents a model of regional production enhancement that can also serve as inspiration for Campos Gerais.

The region of Paraná brings together natural attractions, rural properties, gastronomic traditions and enterprises with the potential to integrate tourist routes and create experiences aimed at visitors.

In this scenario, cooperativism can contribute to bringing together producers, entrepreneurs, entities and communities, encouraging collective actions and strengthening the regional economy.

The experience of Nova Petrópolis demonstrates how the enhancement of local identity, coupled with support for small businesses, can transform traditional products into opportunities for tourism.

More than encouraging visitors to discover new destinations, Sicredi’s proposal is to contribute to the development of tourism that generates results for the entire community.

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