Brazil‘s government has signed a hospitality solution guarantee with Embratur, the Brazilian agency for the promotion of international tourism, to supply 6,000 lodging spaces for COP30, aboard cruise ships.
With a surge in accommodation demand expected for the annual climate conference, which takes place in Belém in November, and the city understocked with hotel rooms, the announcement will see cruise ship operators supply ‘floating hospitality’ solutions for the duration of the event, once negotiations with Embratur have been completed.
MSC Cruzeiros and Costa Cruzeiros are among the operators that have expressed interest in supplying the required beds.
‘A warm welcome’
“Brasil is ready to host this major event, reinforcing our leadership in the global climate change debate,” commented Marcelo Freixo, president of Embratur. “Through this operation, we are significantly expanding the lodging options for the international delegations attending COP30.
“The combined efforts of Embratur and the federal government will ensure a warm welcome for all attendees in Belém, fostering new global agreements for a just and sustainable planet.”
Port expansion
The revitalisation and expansion of Belém’s Porto de Outeiro is already underway – a ‘strategic investment that will provide the necessary infrastructure for large vessels during the conference,’ according to the COP30 organisers.
The contract is valued at BRL 263 million, includes a BRL 30 million initial disbursement to secure lodging for the UN Climate Change Secretariat team, while Embratur will receive BRL 3.7 million to oversee planning, contracting, and quality control. The remainder of the funding will be recouped through cabin sales.
Some 500 beds will be reserved for delegates from developing countries, with the cost of hosting these delegates financed by the UNFCCC Trust Fund or directly by participating nations.
“We are ensuring the infrastructure necessary to receive COP30 delegates with dignity, while at the same time leaving an important legacy for the local population — with the revitalisation of the Porto de Outeiro, now able to receive tourist ships,” added COP30 extraordinary secretary Valter Correia. Read more here.
