 |
| City Councilor Raoni Mendes / Photo: Fabiano Vidal |
1. Councilor Raoni Mendes, how do you assess the current state of tourism in João Pessoa and its title as the “darling of the Northeast”? In your view as a tourism specialist, what factors were crucial to this boom?
First, Fabiano, I want to thank you for this interview. I believe the tourism boom happened because João Pessoa has grown in a more organized way compared to other capitals in the Northeast. While other regions expanded chaotically, João Pessoa maintained a more controlled pace, partly due to the limited number of hotel rooms and a still modest air network. Now, with the airport expansion and the implementation of the Cabo Branco Tourist Hub—which will bring almost 15,000 new beds—the city is entering a new level. Moreover, construction companies played a fundamental role in this process by helping to promote João Pessoa worldwide. It’s still a city with a relatively affordable cost of living and a quality of life that attracts both tourists and new residents.
2. The tourism growth is closely tied to the real estate boom. What are the main benefits and biggest risks of this relationship for the city’s sustainable development?
The real estate boom happened because construction companies innovated in style, design, and sales. We have a standard in Paraíba that sets a benchmark. The benefit is the city’s appreciation. But there's a clear risk: the growing number of flats and the intensive use of platforms like Airbnb. This could lead to uncontrolled tourism, impacting public safety. We need to organize the city better to minimize these risks.
3. Comparing João Pessoa with other tourist destinations that went through similar booms, what lessons can be learned to avoid common mistakes and ensure more balanced and sustainable long-term growth?
The first lesson is to preserve what we hold most dear: our beaches, rivers, and historic downtown. We need to consider measures like visitor fees, as seen in Fernando de Noronha, for places like Picãozinho, Areia Vermelha, and Ponta do Seixas. Rivers need to be cleaned up and turned into urban parks. And in the historic center, safety is essential. A city that’s good for tourists is a city that’s good for its citizens. We also need to invest in qualified labor and second language training, which are still major limitations in the sector.
4. One of the most frequent complaints from residents is the strain on infrastructure (traffic, sanitation, etc.). What concrete measures are being discussed or implemented by the City Council and City Hall to address these issues, especially during peak tourist season?
We’re discussing urban mobility projects, with an international investment of over R$ 500 million for the creation of public transportation corridors. If citizens feel comfortable and safe leaving their cars behind to use public transport, we’ll see significant traffic improvements. We’re also holding public hearings to discuss the state of our rivers and beaches, especially the issue of stormwater drains that still discharge directly into the sea.
5. The rising cost of living, especially in the housing sector, is a growing concern. Are there public policies being developed to ensure that local residents are not pushed out of certain areas or struggle to access housing due to tourism-driven appreciation?
Unfortunately, this is not yet being widely discussed. I think your question is a great opportunity to bring this topic into the City Council. What we currently see are housing policies aimed at areas farther from the real estate boom. We need to rethink this approach.
6. How can tourism development be balanced with environmental preservation, especially on urban beaches and cliffside areas like the Barreira do Cabo Branco? What enforcement and environmental education actions are priorities?
The City Council has a duty to monitor and enforce. We need to ensure that the Environmental Department has the technical staff necessary to fulfill its role. One of my proposals is to establish partnerships with universities, which have the studies and technical knowledge that can be directly applied to environmental management. If there’s a formal agreement between the city and the universities, we’ll have a much more effective preservation of these sensitive areas.
7. Beyond the coastline, which other regions or tourism segments (cultural, historical, gastronomic, events) could be better explored to diversify offerings and more evenly distribute visitor flow across the city?
We have great potential in gastronomy. João Pessoa is already a reference in that area. Creating gastronomic corridors—like the one in Miramar and the one being planned on General Osório Street—can further enhance this strength. Additionally, events like Viva o Centro help revitalize the historic center with cultural activities. The Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), for example, has a strong tradition with its symphony orchestra and other cultural expressions that can and should be more appreciated.
8. How do you evaluate the support infrastructure for tourists (signage, information centers, specific security measures, accessibility), and what improvements do you consider most urgent?
I believe we need to place greater value on our local identity. I proposed a bill that would require public schools to teach the history, geography, and current affairs of João Pessoa. This helps build a sense of belonging from an early age. João Pessoa is the third-oldest city in Brazil, and we need to honor and showcase that heritage.
9. How important is metropolitan integration (considering neighboring cities like Cabedelo, Conde, and Lucena) for the development of a stronger and more diverse tourism hub?
It’s essential. João Pessoa alone can’t sustain itself as a stand-alone destination. We need to look at the entire metropolitan region. For example, Campina Grande’s São João Festival could be integrated into the tourism circuit. We need to follow the model of places like Gramado and Canela, which promote themselves together. Tourists who come to João Pessoa could also visit Conde, Lucena, and Cabedelo, thus extending their stay to at least a week without needing to travel to places like Pipa or Recife.
10. In the long run, what is your vision for tourism in João Pessoa? Should we focus on the number of tourists or on the quality of the experience and the type of tourist we want to attract?
The focus should be on quality. The Cabo Branco Tourist Hub already reflects that vision. One example is how Fortaleza changed before and after Beach Park. João Pessoa will have Aquai, which will be three times larger than Beach Park. This will transform tourism in the state. I believe that in 20 years, we could see a metropolitan area with over three million residents and a structured, high-quality tourism industry.