When pioneer Frederico Engel took his first steps, creating the Hotel Brasil, he already foresaw the scale of tourism, an activity that he helped to promote in Foz do Iguaçu, starting in 1915. The segment is one of the driving forces of the economy, making the city known and recognized throughout the world.
After going through the worst crisis in history, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism in Iguaçu is expected to be fully restored by 2025. Investments are ongoing, in expansions, revitalizations and new ventures, from accommodation to attractions, from gastronomy to event production and entertainment.
The figures are high: R$1 billion in private investments for the attraction, among the contributions already announced, according to Visit Iguassu. Among the investments, the bureau mentions, are the resources from Urbia Cataratas in the Iguaçu National Park, new attractions at Dreams Park Show, revitalization of Espaço das Américas and construction of AquaFoz, both by Grupo Cataratas, and expansions of Wonder Park Foz.
The institution, maintained by members to promote the marketing of Destination Iguaçu, which is part of the Integrated Tourism Management of Foz do Iguaçu, also highlights actions to expand Foz do Iguaçu's presence in North and Central America. And it celebrates the increase in Chileans on the border, the result of a new air route with the Andean neighbors.
Excellent hospitality
Accommodation in Foz do Iguaçu offers excellent services. Diversity is also present, which increases the range of options for visitors, with inns, hostels, hotels of all classifications and resorts, distributed from the entrance to the city, on BR-277, through the central region and along the entire length of Rodovia das Cataratas.
There are 168 accommodations in Foz do Iguaçu and 29.980 beds, according to Sindhotéis, where the average guest stay is 3,5 days. “The hotel industry in Foz do Iguaçu does not disappoint, our hotels are compared to the best in the country, and we are prepared to receive all types of guests”, explains the president of the entity, Camilo Rorato.
A new hotel development is under construction in the city, by the Gramado chain, which will possibly operate under a multi-ownership system. The report found that a second high-standard hotel is planned for Avenida das Cataratas, an initiative by a businessman from Paraná who has companies in diverse sectors.
waterfalls of Iguaçu
Among the tourist attractions in Foz do Iguaçu, the highlights are the investments announced by Urbia Cataratas in the Iguaçu National Park. The consortium expects to invest approximately R$600 million in the conservation unit over the next five years, in order to enhance the experience of those who visit the natural park.
Between 2023 and 2024, the concessionaire, which manages the park's tourism, launched the new tours Sunrise at the Falls, Sunset at the Falls and Night at the Falls. And it has just reopened two trails amidst the lush forest, which are the Poço Preto and Bananeiras trails, immersion included in the general visitor ticket.
Among the contributions planned between 2025 and 2028 are:
- renovations of trails and in the Porto Canoas area, viewpoints and elevators;
- implementation of a new transport system;
- expansion of areas designated for visits in the park;
- creation of cycle lanes;
- improvements in parking lots; and
- installation of a cable car.
“We will have a new Iguaçu National Park, completely renovated and modernized,” Urbia Cataratas announced. “These and other initiatives are aimed at providing visitors with a more immersive experience with nature,” added the tourism concessionaire of the conservation unit shared by Brazil and Argentina.
Americas Space
At sunset, nature, history and culture of the Marco das Três Fronteiras will be integrated into the Espaço das Américas, a building made of stone, glass and wood that will receive an estimated investment of R$30 million from Grupo Cataratas. The company has been the concessionaire of the area since 2015, revitalizing it and implementing new attractions.
The project includes new access points, viewpoints and integration with the Marco das Três Fronteiras, with the inauguration scheduled for December of this year, according to the revitalization work plan. “It will provide an experience for tourists and residents who visit the Marco, the most charming place in Foz do Iguaçu,” says the company’s management.
The executive project is undergoing final adjustments and must be presented and approved within 60 days. The proposal is the result of joint work between the concessionaire and the city's Municipal Tourism Department. The plan includes ensuring care, attention, experiences and cultural appreciation.
Opened by former governor Jaime Lerner, Espaço das Américas covers 2.240 square meters of built area, with a circular building at the meeting point of the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers. Vandalized and abandoned for over a decade, the amphitheater's seats were removed in 2013 and donated to police stations in cities in the West.
Aquarium in Foz do Iguaçu
With R$100 million in 100% private investment, AquaFoz is an aquarium that will operate as a center for education, research and conservation of the ecosystems of the Paraná and Iguaçu river basins, according to the Cataratas Group. It is being built on a private site at the entrance to Iguaçu National Park, next to the Visitor Center.
The installation area is approximately 23 thousand square meters. AquaFoz will have tanks that total 3,5 million liters of water for freshwater and marine species. Work is focused on the masonry part of the building, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
“The new aquarium will give the public the opportunity to enjoy an immersive, educational and enjoyable experience along the two main rivers of Paraná, the Paraná and the Iguaçu,” emphasizes the Cataratas Group. “Recognized worldwide as a destination for thousands of national and international visitors, Foz do Iguaçu will gain a new tourist attraction that matches its importance,” it adds.
Bird Park: unique in the world
As a rescue and shelter and the only institution in the world focused on the conservation of Atlantic Forest birds, Parque das Aves is the second most visited attraction in Foz do Iguaçu, after the Iguaçu Falls. It is an example of private investment, based on the application of its own resources, which will be 30 years old in 2024.
Internationally recognized, the park maintains its structure and finances projects and field research. And more than 50% of the animals in the space come from trafficking or mistreatment, arriving weakened and unable to return to the wild.
Therefore, Parque das Aves' investments are continuous in the scientific and conservationist fields, contributing to the development of tourism in Foz do Iguaçu and the tri-national region. Visitors can invest in giant aviaries and receive information and guidance from environmental educators. There is a store and gastronomy facilities.
Itaipu: tourism
The Itaipu Technological Park (PTI-BR) has managed the Itaipu Tourist Complex and its attractions since 2007, having served more than 7,5 million tourists at the binational mega-power plant up until last year. It is estimated that more than R$191 million has been generated, which has been reinvested in the city and the region. There are 500 tourists annually, an activity that maintains 250 direct and indirect jobs.
The new challenges and projects involve more benefits for tourism resulting from scientific and technological advances, knowledge and innovation produced by the PTI. Nautical tourism, a new Ecomuseum, a Public Market, a partnership with the Viaje Paraná program of the state government, and Accessible Tourism are directions indicated by the Technological Park in favor of tourism, seeing it as an instrument of development and generation/distribution of income.
Foz do Iguaçu, new flights
With its sights set on the US market, Foz do Iguaçu's Integrated Tourism Management has just established a partnership with Global Vision Access, a destination representation company. The goal is to increase the city's visibility and reach in the United States and Canada, with actions aimed at the trade and media.
The partnership is guided by an annual action plan, which involves institutions such as the Municipal Tourism Council, the Municipal Tourism Secretariat, Itaipu Binacional, the Itaipu Technological Park, the Iguaçu Fund and Visit Iguassu. The United States is among the largest senders of international tourists to Foz do Iguaçu.
On another front, the balance of direct flights operated by JetSmart, connecting Foz do Iguaçu to Santiago, in Chile, shows that the number of passengers grew by more than 300%, compared to 2022, without direct flights, and 2023. The low-cost airline has direct supply and more competitive prices, stimulating the market - the growth of Chilean visitors to Iguaçu National Park was 53% compared to 2019, pre-pandemic.
Considered the air hub of the Americas, with extensive connections to countries in North and Central America, the Caribbean and Asia, Panama is Foz do Iguaçu's next target destination. The expectation is for a flight connecting the city with more than 80 destinations and 30 countries, contributing to the resumption of the flow of passengers affected by the pandemic.
“We hope to receive good news soon,” says Visit Iguassu president Jaime Mendes. The work to secure this flight is being done in partnership with CCR Aeroportos, the Government of Paraná and institutions of Integrated Tourism Management. These entities “have been working for some time on the creation of a joint strategy for COPA to consolidate the IGU/Panama route,” he emphasizes.
Dear Paulo, The current and future portrait of our beloved Foz do Iguaçu is very good, congratulations on completing 110 years. Have a good week. Greetings.