Céu de Montanhas Catalog Wins World Responsible Tourism Award

Collection of tourism experiences from Brumadinho wins the Global Responsible Tourism Awards 2026 in the Local Economic Benefit category

The Céu de Montanhas catalog is the winner of the Global Responsible Tourism Awards 2026, in the Local Economic Benefit category. The achievement brings Brumadinho's rural and community-based tourism initiative to the highest recognition of the international award. The result was announced on November 2, in London, during the ICRT Global Summit and Responsible Tourism Awards.

The Céu de Montanhas catalog was awarded in London in the Local Economic Benefit category
Disclosure: Céu de Montanhas

In this category, the award recognizes initiatives that ensure resources from tourism circulate within the local territory's economy, strengthening small businesses, encouraging local purchases, and creating job opportunities for communities. Before winning the global stage, the initiative had already won the gold medal in the Latin America edition in June of this year.

"This award is a recognition of the work that Céu de Montanhas entrepreneurs have been developing to make tourism a concrete opportunity for income generation, strengthening local businesses, and valuing Brumadinho's communities. Winning the global stage expands the visibility of our territory and shows that it is possible to develop sustainable, responsible tourism connected with those who live here," says Bárbara Pessali Marques, president of the Céu de Montanhas Association.

In the global competition, Céu de Montanhas was the only Latin American project among the eight finalists in the category, alongside initiatives from India, Italy, Pakistan, Japan, Thailand, and South Africa.

Launched in 2022, the catalog brings together tourism experiences led by the residents themselves and linked to the daily life of the territory, such as traditional cuisine, farm work, handicrafts, health and wellness, and experiences in quilombola communities. Most activities take place in the hosts' homes and properties, bringing visitors closer to the people and stories of Brumadinho.

The collection is an initiative by Vale, in partnership with Rede Terra. Last year, the entrepreneurs founded the Céu de Montanhas Association, which took over the management of the catalog.

"This achievement represents listening, participation, collaboration, and collective construction. More than an award, it celebrates people: entrepreneurs, community leaders, partners, and residents who believed in the power of tourism to transform realities," highlights Daniele Teixeira, Sustainability Analyst at Vale and coordinator of the Brumadinho Tourism Program.

Results
The numbers demonstrate the initiative's impact on the territory. In 2025, participating businesses reached a turnover of around US$ 1.1 million, with approximately US$ 261 thousand in direct income for participants. The initiative also generated 148 jobs, and 75% of participating businesses are led by women.

Winning the Global Responsible Tourism Awards 2026 adds to other awards received by Céu de Montanhas. The initiative won first place in the National Tourism Award 2025 (Prêmio Nacional do Turismo), in the Creative Economy and Tourism-Associated Production category; and received third place in the WTM Latin America Award 2026, in the Best Initiatives for Indigenous Tourism and/or Traditional Communities category, among others.