The Mayor of Caxias (MA), Gentil Neto, alongside Vice-Mayor Eugênio Coutinho and Municipal Secretaries, recently convened a meeting with representatives from the Ibis Hotel Network to discuss the potential establishment of a franchise unit in the municipality. Taking place on May 7, 2025, this meeting marked a significant step towards the construction of a hotel that promises to invigorate the local economy and enhance the tourism sector.
According to Gentil Neto, the discussions were productive and filled with optimism. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to create more job opportunities for the residents of Caxias. "We know that one of our major challenges within the city is generating employment and income. We spoke with the hospitality company, which is Ibis, to come and set up here in Caxias. It will generate 35 to 40 direct jobs, plus indirect employment for the municipality, and during construction, they will hire local labor," Neto stated.
The Vice-Mayor, Eugênio Coutinho, echoed these sentiments, expressing his satisfaction with the prospect of bringing an internationally recognized hotel brand to Caxias. "I am very happy today; we received a hospitality company of international stature. It's more direct jobs—40 direct jobs and 120 indirect jobs. It will be very beneficial for our city," he remarked.
During the meeting, various aspects of the project were discussed, including its anticipated positive impacts. The Ibis Hotel Network, which currently boasts over 300 units in Brazil and more than 5,600 hotels worldwide, is poised to play a pivotal role in boosting local tourism and economic activity.
Anderson Farias, the Commercial Director of Benedetto Desenvolvimento Imobiliário, highlighted Caxias's potential for development. "We believe that Caxias is on the rise in terms of development, and beyond what we see today, we can envision what is yet to come. It is what we call the good of the future. It is a city that stands out and presents many positive points for development, and that is what we expect from hotel development," he said.
Raffani Sousa, the Commercial Director of Bruster Junior Empreendimentos, also expressed gratitude for the warm reception and support for the project. "Having such a cordial reception and expediting this project, which we believe is timely for Caxias, is important for development. We appreciate all the support, as it is essential for this to happen soon," he noted.
In another significant development, Roger Tafam, the Mayor of the Urban Community of Bafoussam in Cameroon, recently visited Brazil to strengthen existing commitments and explore new cooperation opportunities. His visit emphasized city twinning and practical skills training for youth, seen as a strategic solution to combat youth unemployment.
Tafam aimed to bolster ties with the cities of Caxias and São Luís in the State of Maranhão, which are crucial to the cooperation between Brazil and Cameroon. This initiative seeks to establish a beneficial exchange model that not only enhances cultural ties but also focuses on developing professional skills that can create jobs and opportunities for young people.
Dr. Paulin Martial Tchenzette, Minister Counselor at the Cameroon Embassy in Brazil, played a key role in coordinating the delegation, representing Cameroon's Ambassador to Brazil, Martin Mbeng. The mission reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to work together towards sustainable development and economic integration through decentralized cooperation initiatives.
This step underscores the importance of intermunicipal partnerships as an effective mechanism for international collaboration, particularly in social and economic development. Such efforts are crucial for the youth, who are seen as the key to the future of both nations involved.
As Caxias moves forward with its plans to welcome the Ibis Hotel and strengthen international ties with Bafoussam, the local government remains focused on creating a vibrant economic landscape that benefits its residents. With job creation at the forefront of this initiative, the community is hopeful that these developments will lead to a more prosperous future.
In conclusion, both the establishment of the Ibis Hotel and the partnership with Bafoussam represent significant opportunities for growth and development in Caxias. They reflect a commitment to enhancing the local economy and providing valuable resources for the youth.
