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The torch will officially ignite tonight, marking the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
That torch's journey has nothing on the journey that Rio and the entire country of Brazil have been on in the leadup to the games. Political controversies, the looming threat of Zika virus and concerns over cleanliness and sanitation have plagued the destination since the start, but Rio has maintained that it will deliver in this year's summer Olympics.
Before the torch lights, join us on a brief look back as we highlight just a few of the stories that make up this compelling saga on the road to Rio.
February - "5 Ways Brazil is Fanning Summer Olympics Fervor" by Brian Major.
With Zika already casting a shadow over the games, we looked at how Brazil was already looking to not only overcome the challenges ahead, but exceed expectations. From making drastic changes to their visa waiver system to initiating checks on hotel prices, Brazil was showing it was ready to play.
March - "Don't Worry About Zika at Rio Olympics" by A Cruising Couple
Guest bloggers A Cruising Couple made a strong case for why concerns over Zika were overblown, plus shared a few of their tips for keeping yourself safe. This came just on the heels of Carnival, which was attended by 1 million people, none of whom reported infection.
March - "How Will Brazil's Political Upheaval Impact 2016 Summer Olympics?" by Brian Major
As the crisis in Brazil's government worsened, we analyzed what this could possibly mean for tourism in general, and the summer games in particular. Henrique Eduardo Alves, Brazil's tourism minister had just resigned, making the questions surrounding the games that much more perilous.
Photo by David Cogswell
May - "Olympics, Copa America Drive Tremendous Travel Demand in 2016" by Gabe Zaldivar
New data from Sojern gave renewed hope to Brazil's tourism, as numbers showed that U.S. travelers seemed to be undeterred by Zika and political upheaval in their resolve to head to the Olympic Games.
June - "Staying Safe in Rio During the 2016 Summer Olympics" by Robin Amster
Mark Goldrup of the U.S. State Department addressed ASTA members during a webinar on safety and special precautions necessary during the Rio games. We brought you highlights of his presentation.
Photo by David Cogswell
June - "What Not to Miss in Rio During the Olympics" - by Janeen Christoff
While you're in town for the games, why not stop by the Museum of Tomorrow? Or check out the all-new "Olympic Boulevard" at Porto Maravilha? We shared those and a few other must-see attractions for those traveling to Rio for the games.
July - "CDC Doesn't Predict Dramatic Global Zika Spread Following Summer Olympics" by Gabe Zaldivar
With fears mounting around the Zika virus, particularly in the runup to the Olympics, we were excited to see the Centers for Disease Control coming out with new information quelling rumors of a pandemic following the games.
July - "One on One With The President of Brazil's Tourism Board" by Brian Major
Just a month ago, we sat down with the president of Embratur, Brazil's Tourism Board, to see how final preparations were going before the game.
July - "Norwegian Getaway to Become Floating Hotel for 2016 Olympics in Rio" by Patrick Clarke
The Olympic organizing committee, as well as select other VIPs, will be living it up during the game on the majestic Norwegian Getaway, which is becoming a floating hotel during the games.
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