Rio 2016: Half a million tourists expected in Brazil for Olympic Games

THE BRAZILIAN GOVERNMENT has said it expects approximately 500,000 additional foreign visitors to come to #Rio de Janeiro for the #OlympicGames. The Central Bank of #Brazil estimates that the delegations and tourists in Rio for the games will leave behind revenue worth US$200 million. 

The bank says its estimate was made based on the statistics from the last three Olympics: Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, and London 2012, but it also noted that the expected windfall will be lower than the $900 million dollars of revenue seen nationwide as a result of the 2014 World Cup.

The bank said that while the Olympics would lead to a ‘small impact on tourism at first, they would contribute to more tourists coming to the country in the future, especially Rio de Janeiro.

It reported foreign tourists spent US$3.15 billion in Brazil in the first half of 2016, $210 million more than that in the same period last year.

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Brazil … beyond Rio

ALL eyes (except mine) are currently on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second largest city. But while #Rio is the focus of the world’s attention over the coming weeks, other parts of the country will also be taking part in the #OlympicGames, with cities such as Manaus, Salvador, and Sao Paulo hosting football matches.

Escape Travel Card has published a list of the top five most popular cities after Rio for travellers to visit, based on its customer data.

Joanne Briggs from Escape, says: ‘While Rio might be the most-visited city in the Southern Hemisphere (with the tourist numbers to prove it), there are many other cities worth a stay for those planning a trip to #Brazil. Even if you’re not able to make it during the games themselves, Brazil is one of the most exciting and diverse countries in the world. Its cities fuse African, Portuguese, and even Japanese culture, and offer great food and breathtaking beaches. While the country itself is huge, there are regular internal flights, which mean travellers can easily take in all the country has to offer.

‘During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, we saw a 200 percent increase in spend across the country and we’re expecting to see a similar level of uplift this August when Brits head to support Team GB.”

Escape Travel Card’s guide to Brazil’s most popular cities 

1. Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo has 20 million residents, or Paulistanos. While Rio has traditionally stolen the limelight from Sampa, as it’s affectionately known, Sao Paulo has plenty to offer the traveller. It’s a world-renowned foodie haven full of smart bistros and gourmet restaurants, has the largest community of people of Japanese descent outside Japan and the largest population of Italian descendants outside Italy. Neighbourhoods such as bohemian Vila Madalena are full of galleries, alternative stores, bars, and cafes.

2. Salvador

Home to the original and biggest carnival in the world, in the days just before Lent (officially carnival time across the country) four million people hit Salvador’s streets to dance to the biggest names in Brazilian music. The city’s old town quarter is a UNESCO world heritage site.

3. Recife

Recife and neighbouring port town, Olinda, offer the best of glitzy city living and colonial charm. Recife’s canals, rivers, and bridges and its resemblance to European cities mean it’s often referred to as the ‘Venice of Brazil’. For a break from Recife’s shimmering towers and buzzing nightlife, many travellers take the short trip to Olinda, one of Brazil’s best-preserved colonial towns.

4. Manaus

Deep in the Amazon, Manaus will host six football matches during the games at the 43,100 capacity Amazônia Arena. While there’s not much to keep visitors in the city, it’s the jumping off point for river cruises along the Amazon or trips to one of the region’s many jungle lodges.

5. Florianopolis

Thanks to its 42 beaches and high quality of life, southern city Florianopolis is one of the most visited places in Brazil and a popular location for second homes for Europeans. Most travellers base themselves at Lagoa da Conceição (Lagoon of Conceição) thanks to its high concentration of bars, restaurants, and shops.

Surrounded by mountains, the lagoon is a natural base for sports such as kite surfing, paragliding, and trekking.

www.escapetravelcard.com

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Off to Rio?

HEADING to Rio for Olympic Games? The Latin American Travel Association offers these insider tips for visitors:

Best places to stay for Olympic excitement 

·        Copacabana district, famous for its three-mile beach, offers the chance to catch some of the Olympic highlights including beach volley ball, triathlons, marathons, and ocean swimming.

·        Ipanema, in southern Rio, will host the Olympic debut of rugby sevens.

·        Santa Teresa is Rio’s artistic hub on Santa Teresa Hill. Known for its winding, narrow streets, it’s a great spot to enjoy the city's creative side and gastronomy.

·        The Lapa district, known for its lively cultural scene and its concentration of bars and restaurants, should be on every Rio revellers list.

Where to head for a day trip

Two-and-a-half hours east of Rio, Buzios is an upscale fishing port with great restaurants, boutiques, and villas. It rose to fame after a visit in the 1960s by Brigitte Bardot. Idea for snorkelling

Secret Rio

·        Tour operator Trailfinders suggests heading to Morro de Dois Irmaos, an iconic mountain at the end of Leblon Beach for a 40 minute hike to the top offering panoramic views of Rio.

·        The Brazil Tourist Board says the tropical forest of Floresta da Tijuca is a secret spot in Rio that deserves to be discovered by tourists.

·        For traditional food, travel company Chimu Adventures advises visitors to head to Bar do Mineiro in Santa Teresa, a bar known for its local cuisine.

·        For peace and tranquillity, travel company Jacada Travel recommends Parque Lage. It’s completely off the tourist radar. For a secluded beach, try the tranquil Praia Vermelha in the Urca district next to Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Where to shop

·        Every first Saturday of the month the Rio Antigo Fair takes place in Rua do Lavradio, with hundreds of stalls lining the street. Handicraft market Feira de Sao Cristovao takes place in the Luiz Gonzaga Centre in the São Cristóvão neighbourhood.

·        Rio Sul in Botafogo was the first shopping mall to be built in Rio de Janeiro. It’s close to the city's main tourist spots.

·        Barra Shopping is located in the Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood in Rio with more than 600 shops.

·        The Leblon shopping centre has top-name Brazilian and international brands, plus good restaurants and a cinema.

How to avoid the games

August and September are the best times to visit the Amazon Rainforest as the water level in the Amazon River is highest and the weather is mild and clear.

·        For a relaxed break, Trailfinders suggests Natal, Olinda or Recife in the North-East of Brazil offering a more local feel, great beaches, and authentic cuisine. South of Rio, Florianopolis has more of a European feel with good beaches and a chilled out vibe.

·        ChimuAdventures recommends travellers head to Trancoso in Bahia, or Jericoacoara in Ceara where the weather will be warm and the beaches almost  empty.

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Travel safety checklist for Rio Games

AS MORE than 600,000 people prepare to travel to the #Rio #Olympics in August, International SOS is offering health and safety advice. 

The international assistance company believes it is safe for travellers to visit virtually anywhere in Brazil, as long as they take the right precautions to mitigate risks, particularly in preventing opportunistic crime and road traffic accidents.

Zika virus: Women are advised not to get pregnant until at least eight weeks after returning from Brazil. Male travellers should not have unprotected sex during the trip and for eight weeks on their return, if they do not have any symptoms. If men do have zika symptoms, they should not have unprotected sex for six months.

Transport: Taking public transport (underground and buses) is encouraged in Rio. There will also be special transport arrangements in place for the Games. Taxis are safe, but should not be hailed on the streets. Self-driving is not recommended and walking alone after dark also requires planning to avoid high risk areas. It is safe to use taxi apps and Uber cars in low and medium risk countries and Brazil is deemed a medium risk country. Uber should be avoided only in locations close to taxi stands, such as the airports for example, as there could be some conflict between taxi drivers and Uber drivers. Another good option is to ask your hotel to provide a taxi.

It is common to pay taxi drivers in cash; many of the drivers take credit cards, but not all of them. Tipping taxi drivers is not a common practice for Brazilians, but it is gladly accepted.

Money exchange: Travellers should exchange money only in authorized booths or at banks to avoid receiving counterfeit change.

Speaking English: English is not widely spoken in Brazil, but there will be bilingual volunteers working during the Games, and even Brazilians who do not speak English will always try to help overseas visitors.

Avoiding unwanted attention: When it comes to petty crime, the best way to avoid being a victim is to keep a low profile and avoid displays of wealth such as jewellery, smartphones and iPads. Carry only what you need. Avoid high risk districts and be suspicious of your surroundings. Turn on your personal security radar!

Top scams to watch out for: Be aware of bag and jewellery snatching, spiking of, and cloning of payment cards. Favelas should be avoided but opportunistic crime is present everywhere.

Terrorism: There will be more than 80,000 police and army officers on the ground at the Games. Military police will join forces from different states and create a national force stationed in Rio. There is no credible information suggesting that Brazil could be subject to a terrorist attack. Brazil’s counter-terrorism agency is in constant contact with other countries.

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Be prepared, FCO urges Rio-bound Brits

OLYMPIC champion Dr Tim Brabants has called on British fans travelling to #Brazil to stay safe and follow the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) advice. 

The three-time kayaking medallist, who won gold in Beijing 2008, has joined other #Olympic and #Paralympic stars to feature in an FCO video with advice on how to ‘Stay Ahead of the Games’ this summer.

The FCO has urged travelling fans to plan ahead and use its tips to make sure they have a stress free trip to Brazil.

Dr Brabants says: ‘Throughout my career, I thrived off the support of the fans and that’s why I was so keen to be involved in this campaign – to help them get the best possible experience from the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Today, as a practicing medical doctor, I would recommend all supporters to check which vaccinations and medications they need before travel, especially if they’re planning on visiting some of Brazil’s more remote regions.’

The video also features five-time Paralympic gold medal winning equestrian Sophie Christiansen and one of British shooting’s top prospects, Amber Hill.

FCO minister James Duddridge MP said: ‘We are expecting thousands of Britons to make the journey to Rio for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we want all of them to have a great time. There are careful preparations being made by our staff in Brazil to make sure our athletes and visitors are well supported, and all of those travelling should make sure they also prepare properly.’

A preparation checklist is available from www.gov.uk/rio2016, including these tips:

1. Ensure that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance, and that it covers you for all activities that you want to carry out while in Brazil. 
2. Book your Games tickets and accommodation as far in advance as possible and from authorized sellers. Demand for hotel rooms in Rio is likely to outstrip supply during the Games period. Event tickets will also sell out. Avoid buying or selling tickets on the secondary market. Ticket ‘touting’ is a criminal offence in Brazil. 
3. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Brazil. 
4. Brazil is the world’s fifth largest country. If you plan to travel outside of Rio, make sure you plan your journey carefully and book flights well in advance 
5. Check which vaccinations and medication you need before you travel, especially if you plan to travel to more remote parts of the country. For advice see: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. 
6. Learn a bit of Portuguese, as English isn’t as widely spoken as you might expect. 

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Risks in Rio

AS #BRAZIL prepares for the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games (August 5-21) and Paralympic Games (September 7-18), there are growing concerns about multiple security challenges facing the country. 

A developing political crisis, economic downturn, and popular anger over corruption have fuelled rising civil unrest. Criminal activity is a major concern in many parts of #RiodeJaneiro, while Brazil’s status as a global hub for cyber-crime represents a further threat for corporate sponsors and companies represented at the Games. The recent outbreak of the Zika virus has also alarmed some travellers and pregnant visitors have been advised against non-essential travel to areas where the disease is prevalent.

With an effective understanding of the threat environment, areas to avoid, and proper planning, these risks can be mitigated. PGI Intelligence’s latest Risk Assessment for the #2016Olympics provides in-depth analysis of these issues, offering security and travel managers a comprehensive assessment of the risks associated with travel to Rio. Included in the report are:

• Detailed analysis and mapping of hotspots for crime and civil unrest risks and threats to movement during the Games 
• Analysis of cyber-crime threats 
• Information on medical risks and healthcare providers, as well as standards of infrastructure and transport options in the city 
• A one-page pre-deployment travel briefing, highlighting key travel considerations and ‘keep safe’ advice that can be handed to travellers prior to departing for Brazil. 

For a look inside the report, go to: https://riskportal.pgitl.com/sites/default/files/PGI_Olympics_Risk_Assessment_SHORT_April_2016.pdf

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How to stay REALLY safe in Rio

WITH the #Rio #Olympics only months away, South America is gearing up to host tourists, some of whom might have concerns about their #safety in what Brazil Bodyguard Protection (BBP) says is notorious as one of the world’s most dangerous destinations. 

A recent survey by Mexico City’s Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice found that 43 of the 50 most dangerous cities in the world are in Latin America, including 19 in Brazil. According to the US-based International Women’s Travel Centre, Brazil is one of the ten worst countries in the world for female travellers. This reputation was reinforced during Brazil’s 2014 World Cup, which was marred by violence and petty crime.

‘Unfortunately, the energy and atmosphere that goes hand-in-hand with global events such as the upcoming Olympic Games isn’t without its risks, ‘says Marcelo Silva, founder of BBP. ‘When Rio opens up its gates as 2016’s host country, the streets will unquestionably become more dangerous. For travellers who want to dive head first into the celebrations without worrying about personal safety, our service is ideal.

‘Brazil and its neighbouring Latin American countries are incredible places, but it would be naïve to romanticize the region as a destination that’s just as safe as its Western counterparts. Our service exists to help both private and corporate travellers experience everything the region has to offer, without the lingering shadow of safety concerns.’

For those wanting to enjoy the Olympic Games with the total peace of mind that their back is covered at every corner, says the company, a personal bodyguard is a must. Its English- and Portuguese-speaking bodyguards in Rio are armed … legally!

www.brazilbodyguardprotection.com

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Brazil plans to scrap visa requirement during Olympic Games

BRAZIL'S tourism minister has submitted plans to cancel the requirement for a tourist visa in the 90 days prior to the #OlympicGames in #RiodeJaneiro next year, and for some time afterwards. 

Travellers from many countries are required to apply for a visa to enter #Brazil, including the US, which is Brazil's second-largest market.

‘This will be a very important thing for Brazilian tourism,’ said the minister, Henrique Eduardo Alves.

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Amazon trips for soccer fans

RAINFOREST #CRUISES will be running #OlympicGames-linked #Amazon River trips from Manaus – the city which will host three Olympic soccer matches – next August. The cruises depart between the opening and closing ceremonies of the games and range from two to 10 days in length.

Says Jeremy Clubb, owner of Rainforest Cruises: ‘Similar to the World Cup, where we experienced a 130% increase in bookings, we forecast another spike in demand for Amazon Cruises during the Olympics. We noticed groups of friends and families would charter vessels as accommodation and to explore the Amazon … essentially a two for one.’

On-board activities will include expert talks from naturalists, nightly entertainment, and Brazilian cuisine. Expeditions on the trips include a visit to the Anavilhanas Archipelago – home to some of the wildest waterfalls in the region – Piranha fishing. guided jungle walks, visits to traditional villages, and the opportunity meet people whose lives revolve around the Amazon River and rainforest. 

Types of vessels range from traditional wooden boats and classical schooners to modern boats with swimming pools.

Prices range from $539/£352 per person (2-day) to $2,389/£1,560 per person (10-day).

www.rainforestcruises.com

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