Although it occupies little more than 1% of the Brazilian territory, Santa Catarina stands outs on the national scene, and not only for its encouraging social and economic achievements. Its cultural, ethnic and geographic diversity, as well as its privileged location in relation to the countries of Mercosur, represent an enormous potential for the affirmation of the state as one of the principal tourist destinations in the country.

A wonderful coast line, established tourist attractions such as Florianópolis, Balneário Camboriú and Blumenau, beautiful mountains, and a complete circuit of festivals conquer the visitor. With these attractions the state receives some 4 million tourists per year, a number that is constantly growing.

Eco-tourism, the fastest growing tourist sector worldwide, offers the best potential for Santa Catarina. Its waterfalls, the well preserved Atlantic Coastal Forest, crystal rivers and imposing mountains attract a growing contingent of nature sports lovers, from mountain climbing to hiking, mountain biking to rafting. This trend can turn the region into a new world center of eco-tourism, a vocation that seems to have been especially planned for this land, that has the name of a saint and which is blessed by nature.