Press Release: EMBRATUR
May 8, 2001
WASHINGTON, DC -- V I S I T B R A Z I L, a program promoting tourism to Brazil through the exchange of information
between U.S. travel agents and members of the tourism industry in Brazil, moves into high gear this year with an
upcoming road show in three major East Coast cities: Atlanta, Ga., on May 15th at the Sheraton Colony Square, Washington,
D.C., on May 16th at the Bethesda Marriott Hotel, and New York, N.Y., on May 17th at the Sheraton New York Hotel
& Towers.
Building up on its success during 2000, the V I S I T B R A Z I L East Coast Road Show will bring together agents
from each of the above metropolitan areas with representatives from airlines, hotel chains, incoming tour operators
and representatives from state tourism agencies in Brazil.
Each event will start with a free breakfast, during which there will be a presentation about tourism in Brazil.
A business networking opportunity will follow immediately. More than 20 exhibitors from Brazil will be at hand
in each event to meet with local tour agents.
Brazil is the world's 8th largest economy, with the 5th largest consumer base. As a tourism destination, it is
quickly gaining ground in all tourism modalities. ``As diverse as Brazil is, so is the pallet of tourism opportunities
it offers,'' says Brazilian Ambassador Rubens Barbosa. ``Brazil has something for adventure travelers, sports enthusiasts,
ecologically minded tourists, and people who simply want to see some of the most beautiful sights in the world.''
During 2000, 5.3 million foreigners went to Brazil. Looking to increase to 6.5 million the number of visitors by
2003, Brazil is investing heavily in infrastructure necessary to accommodate tourists, marketing and implementation
of new legislation capable of facilitating capacity -- such as the creation of a strong charter industry in Brazil.
The private sector is a steadfast partner in this push for industry growth. According to recent estimates, US$6
billion will be invested from now till 2002 in the construction of new resorts, hotels and charming ins.
V I S I T B R A Z I L is organized by the Brazilian Embassy in Washington and made possible with the generous support
of the Brazilian Tourism Board - EMBRATUR, and Brazil's Ministry of Sports and Tourism.
For more information or to register, please visit the Web site www.brazilinfocenter.org
or call Silvia Breda at 202-471-4020.
SOURCE: EMBRATUR