PARÁ, BRAZIL - The United Nations (UN) has announced an increase in the daily financial aid allocated to delegations from developing countries attending COP30, the UN Climate Change Conference, which will take place from November 10 to 21 in Belém, Pará (Brazil). The amount will rise from US$144 to US$197 per day.
The decision comes after a series of criticisms regarding what were considered abusive accommodation prices in the capital of Pará. With the adjustment, the UN aims to ensure full participation from nations with lower economic power, which have been directly impacted by the high cost of lodging.
Tourism expert Natâny Dias highlights the need for balance between supply and demand, emphasizing that a sharp rise in prices could harm the destination’s image. According to Natâny, despite the importance of the event, property owners should not undermine the area’s appeal with excessive rates.
— NATÂNY DIAS, tourism expert
"It's natural that during large-scale events, accommodation prices are higher than expected. I believe the important thing is to find a balance so that these prices reflect this greater demand."
On September 17, representatives from the UN, the federal government, and the state of Pará met to discuss solutions to the situation. So far, 79 countries have confirmed their attendance, according to the Brazilian government. Another 70 countries have yet to finalize their participation, with less than two months remaining before the event.
Sandra Cristina, who owns a property rented through a digital platform, says she made investments to bring the lodging up to COP standards. She is charging R$4,000 per night—around US$753. Sandra considers the rate reasonable for the standard she offers.
— SANDRA CRISTINA, property owner
"My rental price used to be R$800 per month (around US$150 – monthly), unfurnished. For COP, I had to furnish it, I had extra costs, so I’m charging R$4,000 per night (about US$753 – nightly). I believe I’m charging a very fair price."
According to data from the organizers, Belém currently offers more than 42,000 rooms for the event period, distributed across hotels, ships, real estate agencies, and rental platforms.
The expectation is that the capital of Pará will welcome over 50,000 people during COP30, considered one of the most important editions of the conference, as it takes place in the heart of the Amazon — a region central to global climate discussions.
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