Mato Grosso Seeks to Develop International Safari Destination

Strategic Insights -

Mato Grosso, a Brazilian state in the northern region, is undertaking a significant effort to develop its Pantanal region as an international safari destination, rivaling established destinations such as South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania. The strategy involves learning from the successful management model of Kruger National Park in South Africa, a global benchmark in balancing biodiversity conservation, economic development, and social inclusion. The goal is to create a model for Mato Grosso that generates jobs and income, preserves biodiversity, and positions the state among the world's most sought-after destinations for wildlife enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways:

  • A technical mission from the Mato Grosso State Government is currently in South Africa to learn about the management model of Kruger National Park.
  • The mission aims to assess how successful practices adopted in South Africa can be adapted to Encontro das Aguas State Park in the Mato Grosso Pantanal, a region home to the largest concentration of jaguars on the planet.
  • Encontro das Aguas State Park offers a unique experience with eight jaguars per 100 km2, as well as alligators, anacondas, giant anteaters, rare birds, and a rich aquatic life.
  • The Kruger National Park model includes presentations on conservation unit management, scientific and veterinary wildlife services, anti-poaching efforts, tourism development, infrastructure maintenance and renovation, financial management, and other operational areas.
  • The visit comes at a time when Mato Grosso is developing a strategy with Embratur, Sebrae, and a campaign in National Geographic to position the Mato Grosso Pantanal as an international safari destination.
  • An international promotion strategy, called "Safari for the Senses," has been launched, with US$150,000 from the State Tourism Development Fund (Funtur) through a campaign to be broadcast on National Geographic channels.
  • The online campaign aims to reach 10 million impressions and posts on the global @natgeo profile, with 280 million followers on Instagram.
  • The Visit Brasil Gallery will be held from October 28 to November 1 in New York to promote the Pantanal safari in the United States, one of the main source markets for tourists passionate about wildlife observation.

Statistics:

  • Encontro das Aguas State Park covers an area of 135,000 hectares.
  • Kruger National Park, a global benchmark in balancing biodiversity conservation, economic development, and social inclusion, attracts visitors from around the world to see the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo).
  • The "Safari for the Senses" online campaign aims to reach 10 million impressions and posts on the @natgeo profile.
  • The Pantanal region is home to the largest concentration of jaguars on the planet, with approximately eight jaguars per 100 km2.
  • The Mato Grosso Pantanal region has a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators, anacondas, giant anteaters, rare birds, and a rich aquatic life.

Sources:

  • https://www.secom.mt.gov.br/web/sedec/w/comitiva-de-mt-vai-%C3%A0-%C3%A1frica-do-sul-buscar-modelo-de-gest%C3%A3o-para-fortalecer-turismo-de-saf%C3%A1ri-no-pantanal