This is a region of great socioeconomic potential, with easy access by land and sea.
The region is home to the third largest industrial center in the South of Brazil. Joinville is the largest city in the state of Santa Catarina, with more than 600 thousand inhabitants, and the state’s main industrial hub. In addition to Joinville, five other municipalities are on the banks of Babitonga Bay: Araquari, Barra do Sul, São Francisco do Sul, Itapoá and Garuva. Together, they account for approximately 20% of Santa Catarina’s GDP.
Tourism in the region already occupies an important space in the economy, and is currently focused on seasonal tourism on the region’s beaches, and event tourism. The region has intense nautical activity, having two important port areas, located in São Francisco do Sul and Itapoá. In a strategic location, it can be accessed from nearby airports (Joinville and Navegantes) and major highways (BR 101).
