The Creative Flavors Circuit transforms gastronomy into a tourist experience in the Tocantins Region

The activity marked a testing phase for the itinerary, allowing for practical evaluation of aspects such as services offered, activities, and the visitor experience. The goal is to identify adjustments before the circuit is marketed as a tourism product.

This initiative is part of the tourism component of the Entrepreneurial Territories program, a Sebrae initiative that seeks to stimulate joint action between municipalities, institutions, and the private sector to create favorable conditions for local economic development. In the Tocantina Region, the strategy includes promoting attractions and businesses capable of expanding income-generating opportunities.

“This is a moment geared towards the Entrepreneurial Territory, with actions coordinated by the tourism axis, bringing the aspect of business tourism and focusing on the gastronomy of our Tocantina Region,” explains Márcia Martins, manager of the Tocantina Regional Unit of Sebrae.

The Creative Flavors Circuit brings together different types of businesses, showing that gastronomic tourism can involve not only restaurants, but also experiences linked to nature, craft beverages, culture, and regional products. The intention is to transform this diversity into an organized experience for those visiting the region.

Gastronomic tourism as a development strategy

Tourist itinerary planning allows for the organization of attractions, services, and activities in a planned way, facilitating the visitor experience and highlighting the unique characteristics of each destination. Within the itinerary, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to experience the route as consumers and, at the same time, identify areas for improvement.

For Flávia Nadler, state manager of Tourism and Handicrafts at Sebrae Maranhão, the initiative also contributes to broadening the recognition of participating businesses. “It’s another important step in gaining knowledge and recognition for all the businesses that have agreed to be part of this great movement. It’s gastronomy and the creative economy being activated in a way that allows us to generate a greater sense of belonging,” she emphasizes.

Among the participants is Dona Lourdes Restaurant, located in Camaçari, in the metropolitan region of Imperatriz. The establishment combines gastronomy and leisure activities, such as horseback riding and visits to a spring. For Damásio Neto, participating in the circuit represents an opportunity for learning and visibility. “The circuit provides knowledge on how to improve customer service and also gives visibility, so that people can learn about the new experiences that our restaurant offers,” he states.

Nature is also one of the highlights of the itinerary. At the Da Mata restaurant, the gastronomic experience is associated with environmental preservation and the tasting of regional beverages. "Our distinguishing feature is the contact with nature, the experience you will have, in addition to very good regional food," emphasizes Jarlene Barros, administrative partner of the establishment.

Businesses that enhance the visitor experience.

Diversity is also evident in the participation of Bierhop Brewery, which produces craft beer, and the Grand Cru Imperatriz restaurant, which combines wine and gastronomy. For entrepreneurs, being part of a tourist route can increase the visibility of their businesses and introduce new experiences to those who come to the city.

“Today we have very interesting gastronomic experiences in Imperatriz and the region. So, I think this initiative is very worthwhile,” says Cristiane Milhomem, manager of Grand Cru Imperatriz. For Jackson de Pinto, from Bierhop Brewery, participation in the circuit also represents an opportunity to expand the brand's presence. “Besides tourism being very strong and interesting in the city, the circuit will strengthen the brand, both Sabores Criativos and Bierhop, and the other partners,” he emphasizes.

According to Sebrae, the expected impact goes beyond the establishments directly included in the route. By stimulating gastronomic tourism, the flow of visitors can boost suppliers, producers, commerce, transportation services, accommodation, and other segments of the local economy.

With the testing phase, Sebrae and the entrepreneurs will be able to make the necessary adjustments to structure the tourism product before its commercialization. The expectation is that the Creative Flavors Circuit will contribute to valuing the gastronomic identity of the Tocantina Region, expanding opportunities for participating businesses, and stimulating new forms of income generation from tourism and the creative economy.