Tourism and COP30: Implications of Major Events on the Sustainable Tourism Supply Chain in Belém

Objective: This article aims to reflect on the holding of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) in an Amazonian city, Belém, in the state of Pará, highlighting the impacts and structural legacies that a mega-event causes in urban centers. Theoretical Framework: According to Mariano (2019, p. 30), when analyzing mega-events in Rio de Janeiro, he states that, initially, mega-events were a model for boosting urban development, bringing hope that this model could generate socioeconomic gains for society as a whole. Getz (1991) defines a mega-event as “one justified by the large volume of visitors, the high cost of organization, and the great prestige and reputation derived from hosting it” (Flores do Valle, 2012). Method: The methodological approach followed the survey technique for direct observation of the effects of structural works for COP30 in Belém, in addition to consulting secondary data and readings of studies conducted on mega-events. Results and Discussion: The results show that the Climate Change Conference in Belém will undoubtedly be one of the greatest challenges faced in recent decades. And this challenge affects every resident of Belém, whether the informal vendor, the academic, the teacher, the student, the merchant, the entrepreneur, the housewife, the government institutions, the civil society organizations — in other words, the people of Belém. It is necessary to take on this mission collectively. National and international organizations, people from other places, want to be here, to get to know the Amazon, to experience the culture, the gastronomy, the demonstrations; to try swimming in the river, which looks like the sea, but is sweet. It is necessary to overcome the feeling that the city is not prepared. The idea is to move forward with organization, structuring, qualification, and to use all capacity and creativity. Belém’s territory does have capacity, its people do have creativity, and they are so hospitable that guests always want to come back. Research Implications: The implications of the research show that the argument that Belém is unsuitable to host the Conference of the Parties (COP30) stems from a prejudiced and environmentally biased stance, given that Belém hosts the largest religious event in Latin America annually, with over two million participants, and the city’s infrastructure comfortably accommodates all visitors. Originality/Value: Thus, the article demonstrates its originality in discussing this current and controversial topic, adding value to the process of defining public policies and objective actions for holding COP30 in the city of Belém, Pará State.