A historic step, but the curtain has not yet closed
The plenary session of the Lower House has just given an almost unanimous vote, 460 in favor, to transform how we travel. It is not just a reform to the General Tourism Law; It’s a change of script. The goal is clear: that no one is left off the stage because of their age or because they have a disability.
The new law seeks to ensure full access, from the moment you plan the trip until you return home. We are talking about physical infrastructure, yes, but also about digital information being for everyone. It is a belated recognition that the right to rest and leisure is universal.
The opinion specifies that accessibility must be both physical and digital, ranging from the arrival of the traveler to mobility in the facilities.
Now it is up to the Ministry of Tourism to translate this good intention into concrete actions. It will have to create official rules and strategies to break down barriers on beaches, museums, hotels… in all places where the country receives visitors.
The reform also introduces Sustainable Tourism Development Zones. Sounds good, right? They are areas with specific attractions that the Federal Executive may delimit. The idea is to promote tourism while taking care of the environment. A necessary balance.
But be careful: this is not the end. As in any good political drama, there is a second act. The minutes have already traveled to the Senate of the Republic for review. There it will be decided whether this project becomes a reality or remains just another nice speech.
My father always said that laws are a dead letter without the will to apply them. This reform has the potential to improve millions of lives. We will see if the actors in the Senate live up to the script that their fellow deputies sent them.
