In 2025, Penha surpassed 1.5 million square meters in requests for construction area. Furthermore, tourism is also expanding, as 500,000 people pass through the city during the high season. The data reveals a city that is expanding rapidly, and with a challenge ahead: ensuring that this growth happens in a planned, sustainable way and without compromising the quality of life of those who live in the city. To cope with this pace, the municipality is moving forward on simultaneous fronts: structuring macro planning, bringing the Municipal Tourism Plan closer to the validation phase and investing in infrastructure, health, education and mobility. In the view of the municipality's mayor, Luizinho Américo, this is the time to plan for tomorrow. "Municipal management understands that this progress needs to go hand in hand with the population's quality of life. Therefore, the municipality has been prioritizing strategic investments in health, education, mobility and urban infrastructure, preparing the city to receive more visitors without losing its essence and the well-being of residents" states the manager. The Penha scenario reflects a broader movement that transforms the entire region of the Association of Municipalities of Foz do Rio Itajaí (AMFRI). With distinct economic profiles, the eleven municipalities that make up the association are experiencing a growth cycle that places the North Coast of Santa Catarina among the most dynamic regions of Santa Catarina. Strategic planning to continue growing Recently, the city concluded the first phase of studies for the development of a Masterplan, that is, a strategic action plan that guides the city's growth. Developed in partnership with the Penha Business Association (ACIPEN), the plan defines long-term guidelines for infrastructure, mobility, land use, housing, tourism and the environment, in addition to establishing the path for Penha to grow responsibly in the coming decades. The future update of the Municipal Master Plan complements this process. In the same vein, the Municipal Tourism Plan is approaching the validation phase, built with the participation of companies in the sector and the community. For the Secretary of Tourism, Susan Corrêa, the two instruments are inseparable. “The objective is to build a city prepared to grow responsibly, valuing its tourist potential, preserving its natural characteristics and guaranteeing economic opportunities and quality of life for the next generations” highlights the secretary. Largest theme park in Latin America keeps city active The largest theme park in Latin America, Beto Carrero World, is the main gateway to Penha and is one of the strongest economic drivers in the entire AMFRI region. In addition to attracting the public to the city, the park supports a production chain that involves hotels, gastronomy, commerce and services, which keeps the tourist flow active throughout practically the entire year. “With the expectation of reaching around 5 million annual visitors over the next four years, the park helps to consolidate Penha as one of the most important tourist destinations in Brazil, attracting investment and stimulating sustainable economic growth in the municipality”, explains Susan. Beaches, trails, gastronomy and culture expand the experience Penha's strategy involves transforming visitors to Beto Carrero into tourists in the city. To this end, the municipality invests in the enhancement of the 25 beaches and corners, the Caminhos do Pescador Trail Circuit and attractions such as the traditional Cascalho sunset, which has become one of the local postcards. Furthermore, the municipality has structured an agenda of events distributed throughout the year, which includes the Brunetti Walk, the Gastronomic Festival and sporting and cultural activities, to help move different regions of the city and increase the length of stay for visitors. Public-private partnership is a central part of this destination promotion strategy. "The municipality has been working to strengthen Penha as a complete tourist destination, valuing not only entertainment tourism, but also its natural, cultural and gastronomic attractions. The idea is to offer unique experiences, connected to nature and local identity" states the secretary. Partnership with Univali places Penha on the frontier of innovation In innovation, Penha invests in research to create new solutions. In partnership with Univali, which maintains a unit in the municipality, studies are underway on the production of the macroalgae Kappaphycus alvarezii. The species has applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and industrial areas, sold mainly to the Asian market. The project is still in the study phase for possible future commercialization, but it already positions the municipality as a reference in research linked to the economy of the sea. "Projects linked to innovation and research, such as studies involving macroalgae, represent a great opportunity to diversify Penha's economy and stimulate new productive sectors. In addition to its environmental and scientific potential, macroalgae has applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and industrial areas, and can generate employment, income and new businesses linked to the sea economy", concludes the mayor of Penha. North Coast Paths - Penha