by Greg Custer
Last updated: 11:00 AM ET, Thu October 16, 2014
PHOTO: Claudio Magnavita, secretary of tourism for Rio de Janeiro. (Brazilian government photo)
It's quite unprecedented to say your country is hosting the two biggest global sporting events in the same decade. It's even more remarkable when this happens within a 24-month period.
Having said "adeus" to throngs of "futebol" supporters just three months ago, Brazil's State of Rio de Janeiro is now poised for the next sports extravaganza: the 2016 Olympic Games. Hosted for the first time in a South American country, the Rio Olympics have the benefit of a test run offered by key World Cup games played in the city's Maracaná Stadium. While the World Cup was a geographically scattered event, the Olympics concentrate activity within a single city and its surroundings.
Claudio Magnavita , Secretary of Tourism for the State of Rio de Janeiro, sat down with travAlliancemedia's Latin America Managing Director Greg Custer at the ABAV Conference, held in Sao Paulo in late September.
1. Preparation for Olympics
"The World Cup was a learning process. Brazil showed that they're capable of handling tourism. It was a great way to learn and improve upon. When a tourist stays two weeks average in Brazil, they are able to live and understand our reality, and now we're preparing for the Olympics.
"The Olympics is different, since it's a lot bigger, and it concentrates around one city. Brazil is now seen internationally with a lot of optimism. They want to maintain this point of view for the Olympics."
2. Market Priorities
"The priority now is the North American market. They're trying to address barriers, such as Visa applications and the cost of airfare. They have strategic partners like Delta Airlines, Continental, American Airlines and US Air."
3. Hospitality
"There is no concern regarding our hospitality preparedness. Growth of the Rio hospitality market is phenomenal. Sheraton and Hilton make Americans feel more comfortable in Brazil. Hilton is opening its first chain in Rio de Janeiro. The American cruise lines will also assist tourism with its accessibility, since they don't require a large investment in infrastructure and construction."
4. Safety in Rio
"After the World Cup, the negative perception of Rio has changed. This image was due to all negative news prior to the World Cup. Tourists and travel agents left Brazil very happy with the quality of hotels and service, which helped to shift this point of view. The result of World Cup proved that Rio is safe, and that hotels are comfortable, luxurious and affordable. Nowadays, tools like the Internet and other media show a more optimistic view of Brazil. Travel agents have access to more accurate information and this benefits Brazil. "
5. Bossa Nova - Brazil and the U.S.
"Bossa Nova history is a great connection between Brazil and the US. This began with Carmen Miranda and her success in Hollywood. Nowadays, Bossa Nova is more alive in the USA than Brazil. The new generation in Brazil may actually relearn Bossa Nova from Americans in the near future."
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
