'It's not Rocinha, it's Cuiabá': entrepreneur recreates viral trend to value regional culture and tourism
A Brazilian entrepreneur recreated a viral video trend from a Rio de Janeiro favela to highlight and promote the culture and tourism of Cuiabá.
In a creative response to a social media trend, Brazilian entrepreneur and tourism expert Natália Pamela reimagined a popular video initially filmed in the Rocinha favela of Rio de Janeiro. This new rendition took place at the Sérgio Motta bridge connecting Cuiabá to Várzea Grande, showcasing the rich culture and tourist potential of the region. As Cuiabá often competes for the attention of Brazilian and foreign tourists, Natália aimed to spotlight the lesser-known attractions of her hometown.
Despite the long wait times that tourists experience in Rio de Janeiro, with lines stretching up to two hours at popular spots, Natália opted for a more spontaneous approach. Armed with a beach chair and the help of her boyfriend who operated the drone, she filmed a video that captures the essence of Cuiabá, making it accessible and engaging for a wider audience. Her efforts have already paid off in terms of visibility, as her video quickly amassed over 100,000 views and sparked conversations online.
Natália's initiative not only aims to promote Cuiabá but also seeks to challenge stereotypes associated with the city. By using humor and creativity, she hopes to encourage both locals and visitors to appreciate the beauty and culture of Mato Grosso, moving away from the typical representation often centered on larger tourist destinations. This aligns with a broader movement to enhance local tourism and cultural pride in regions less frequented by tourists.