Largest cave in MT becomes part of the 10th tourist region with formal governance
The largest cave in Mato Grosso is now part of a formally governed tourist region, aimed at boosting local tourism and economic growth.
The Caverna do Jabuti, located in Curvelândia, is the largest cave in the state of Mato Grosso, recognized as a natural heritage site over 600 million years old. Recently announced by the State Department of Economic Development (Sedec), it has been designated as part of the 10th tourist region, known as Instância de Governança Regional (IGR) Vale do Cabaçal. This formal recognition is expected to enhance tourism by attracting investments into the area, thereby strengthening the local economy.
Opened for public visitation for the first time in 2023, the cave stretches approximately 4 km, an impressive distance comparable to 33 football fields lined up in a straight line. The decision to formalize the region's governance was facilitated by the establishment of the Associação Regional de Turismo Vale do Cabaçal (Aturvac), which aims to promote and manage tourism initiatives to maximize benefits for the community.
This initiative not only highlights the natural beauty and potential of the Vale do Cabaçal but also reflects a growing trend in Brazil's tourism strategy, emphasizing the importance of natural sites for economic development. The formal governance structure is expected to provide a framework for improving infrastructure, services, and overall visitor experiences, which is crucial for sustainable tourism growth in the region.