Senate approves Italian tourist route in Minas Gerais; bill goes to the Chamber of Deputies.

The Federal Senate has taken a concrete step towards recognizing the historical presence of Italian immigrants. in Minas GeraisThe Regional Development and Tourism Commission (CDR) approved on Tuesday (19) the creation of the “The Italian Immigrant Trail in Minas Gerais"A tourist route that will bring together the municipalities of Andradas, Monte Sião, Ouro Fino, and Jacutinga. The project now goes to the Chamber of Deputies, unless an appeal is filed for plenary review."

The proposal comes from Senator Carlos Viana (PSD-MG) and is part of Bill 2.730/2024. The objective is to generate sustainable economic development in the four cities, expand tourism activities in the region, and enhance the natural, cultural, and historical attractions linked to Italian-Brazilian culture in southern Minas Gerais.

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150 years of immigration as a backdrop

In the project justification, Carlos Viana He noted that Italian immigration to Brazil will mark its 150th anniversary in 2024 and that Minas Gerais is among the... three states that received the most immigrants from ItalyAccording to the senator, creating a specific tourist route is a way to recognize this historical contribution and, at the same time, generate local economic impact. The project, he says, "stimulates new businesses, with the consequent creation of jobs and income generation."

The rapporteur for the proposal, Senator Zequinha Marinho (Podemos-PA), issued a favorable opinion and highlighted the structuring potential of the initiative for the municipalities involved.

"The institutionalization of 'Path of the Italian Immigrant'will grant to the municipalities of Andradas, Mount Zion"Ouro Fino and Jacutinga are important destinations, capable of structuring itineraries, attracting investments to local infrastructure, and promoting the region nationally and internationally," the rapporteur stated.

Support from federal tourism programs

The approved text stipulates that the structuring, management, and promotion of the route's tourist attractions will be supported by official programs aimed at strengthening the regionalization of tourism in the country. Zequinha Marinho assessed that the proposal values ​​the memory of Italian immigration and strengthens the cultural identity of southern Minas Gerais.

The bill will still need to be voted on by federal deputies before it becomes law.