Brazil ‘will be ready’ for FIFA 2014 World Cup says tourism chief

Flávio Dino, the newly appointed head of the Brazilian Tourist Board (Embratur) has emphatically stated the country will be ready in time for FIFA 2014 World Cup.

“The Brazilian government has put all possible measures in place to ensure a successful FIFA 2014 World Cup whose legacy will last for years to come,” he explained.

“The country has developed a clear timeline and strategy that will deliver an unforgettable World Cup experience for all.”

The announcement comes as speculation mounts that Brazil may be falling behind in its preparation schedule.

Concerns are particularly acute with regard to the construction of stadiums and the upgrading of airports.

However, concerns were brushed aside by Mr Dino.

“Brazil is making good progress in its preparations.

“Currently the government is in its third stage of planning for the World Cup, which includes investments in aviation, port and airport development and public transport within the twelve host cities,” he added.

These cities include: Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Cuiabá, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Manaus, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and São Paulo.

“The £13.2 billion of investment for the Word Cup will be good for Brazil and good for tourists coming to our country for the first time,” added Mr Dino.

“Both public and private sector are working together to ensure that new facilities are on offer for the 7.2 million tourists who will flock to Brazil in 2014.

“New hotels are opening all the time whilst the Ministry of Tourism, is undertaking a wide training programme of more than 300,000 frontline staff, teaching English and Spanish to hotel workers, taxi drivers and industry workers within the 12 host cities.”

“Everything will be ready in time for a successful 2014 World Cup.”

The investment in Brazil’s stadiums currently stands at £2.36 billion with brand new stadiums currently being built in São Paulo, Natal, Recife and Salvador.

All stadiums have been designed or restructured to comfortably hold an average of 40,000 visitors as well as the 80,000 expected for the World Cup final, to be hosted in the world famous Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

It is estimated that 600,000 international tourists will travel to the 12 host cities for the World Cup.

The World Cup will generate almost £73.28 billion for the Brazilian economy with an estimated total tourist expenditure of £5.6 billion, according to local estimates.

Flávio Dino added: “The legacy of the World Cup will stay with Brazil for years to come.

“The investments made in infrastructure and tourism will not only benefit visitors for many years but also Brazilians.”

World Tourism Sport Congress

Sports tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in international travel, to be celebrated for the first time this year at the World Sport Tourism Congress.

Taking place on the luxury cruise ship – P&O Pacific Dawn – the event will comprise four days of inspirational panel debates, leading-edge presentations and priceless networking opportunities, all conducted while cruising in style around New Zealand’s beautiful Bay of Islands.

The fully-inclusive cruise package departs from Queen’s Wharf, Auckland on October 10th, returning on October 14th in time for the Rugby World Cup Semi Finals.

Themed “Sharing the Sport and Tourism Boom”, WSTC presents an opportunity for network and engage with industry’s elite, gain invaluable insights from the world’s leading experts and meet face-to-face with the key Sport Tourism buyers as deals are brokered for future sporting events.

Confirmed speakers include: Jeanine Pires (Minster Special Advisor, Rio 2016 Olympics & former President, Embratur), Geoffrey Lipman (Advisor to Secretary General UNWTO), Campbell Jamieson (Commercial Director, International Cricket Council) and Darren Mee (COO, TUI Travel PLC, Specialist & Activity Sector).

The delegate rate of £950 will include access to all sessions on the WSTC programme, four nights accommodation on board the P&O Pacific Dawn, as well as exclusive VIP receptions and gala dinners, as the ship cruises around New Zealand’s North Island.