Will there be COP 30? There will be, but at what price? OPINION August 9, 2025

Belém street with hoardings and construction (Photo: Agência Brasil)

Will there be COP 30? There will be, but at what price? OPINION

COP 30 - a native's perspective

With less than 100 days to go until the long-awaited COP30 in the Amazon, a worrying reality is confirmed. Developing countries, civil society, NGOs, and various actors committed to mitigating climate change and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are expressing their desire to participate in the event, but they are hampered by exorbitant accommodation prices.

Hotel chains seem to believe they can reduce prices at the last minute, in a risky game reminiscent of a poker game, but this expectation is likely to be dashed, as international travelers tend to plan their reservations.

As a Brazilian, with accommodations guaranteed, I probably won't be attending either. The growing number of cancellations, both by individuals and government delegations, is expected to intensify in the coming days, unfortunately.

Six months ago, I warned that the Pará State Government was encouraging the local population to "take advantage of foreigners," an attitude clearly expressed in posts on Instagram and other social media, causing embarrassment and damaging the event's image.

As a journalist for a German-Brazilian media outlet, I sought to alert the Pará State Government that, instead of stigmatizing the local population as opportunists, the campaign should adopt an educational stance, clarifying the relevance of the event and what is at stake, not only for Brazil, but for the world. It is essential to foster a sense of belonging and empathy among Pará residents.

Responsibility, therefore, must be shared between the Pará State Government and the excessive greed of the local hotel chain. The city itself cannot be held responsible, as it awaits promised infrastructure projects, such as road improvements and public services, that would benefit its citizens.

However, uncertainty remains regarding the completion of these projects within the scheduled timeframe. The venue that will host the COP is decorated with "plastic trees," a questionable aesthetic attempt to evoke the forest and provide shade.

Furthermore, questions directed to the Pará State Government about its ability to meet water and energy demands during the event—which is expected to see a minimum fourfold increase in consumption—have not been answered. Considering the intensive use of air conditioning units and the high water demand, the risks of power and water shortages are significant, potentially harming the local population. To date, an official government response remains elusive.

At the beginning of the year, prices were already exorbitant, and when I questioned the Pará State Government, the response was once again silence.

A tip for the hotel chain: there's such a thing as value for money. Check the average price of 5-star hotels worldwide; I took the time to find out that the average is 498 euros. Of course, the price will vary depending on demand, especially for this average right now, during vacation and summer season in the Northern Hemisphere, but it shouldn't be excessive.

Do you understand what I mean by value for money? People who travel KNOW the price, and those who don't travel also quickly find out.

Here's a comparison chart of previous COPs that increased their prices, which is normal due to increased demand, but notice the difference:

Comparison of Accommodation Price Increases at COPs

Event	Location	Average Hotel Price Increase	Notes
COP25	Baku, Azerbaijan	Up to 1,263%	Extremely high surge, reflecting sharp demand and limited availability during the event.
COP28	Dubai, UAE	Up to 19%	Moderate increase due to ample hotel supply and luxury market conditions.
COP30 (Upcoming)	Belém, Brazil	Up to 9,562%	Extraordinary price hike causing widespread criticism; severe shortage of affordable lodging.

Specific Examples of Price Increases in Belém:

Hotel COP30: Formerly known as “Hotel Nota 10,” this establishment raised its nightly rate from R$70 to R$5,670, representing an increase of approximately 8,000%.Sources: Correio Braziliense, 30 Segredo, Revista Oeste

Other Hotels in Belém: Three-star hotels are charging up to R$51,000 for five nights, averaging R$10,200 per night for two people.Source: Brasil 247

Final Considerations

The price hikes for accommodation in Belém during COP30 far exceed those seen in previous editions of the event, such as in Baku, Azerbaijan, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This exponential increase has sparked criticism from various international sectors, especially developing countries that face serious difficulties affording these exorbitant costs.

In response to the crisis, the Brazilian government is trying to implement temporary measures, such as offering rooms with controlled rates and utilizing alternative accommodations, including cruise ships, in an attempt to mitigate the impacts of the local hotel shortage and high prices.

However, concerns remain that these efforts may be too late, potentially jeopardizing the effective participation of many delegates and observers, and risking the overall success of the conference. The big question remains: will the average Brazilian citizen, who often must travel long continental distances, be financially able to afford these exorbitant prices?

By Ana Lucia Cunha-Busch