Brazil Considers Olympics a Boon for Tourism

The increase in foreign tourists to Brazil in 2016 is projected to be 10 percent to 15 percent greater than in 2015, the Brazilian Tourism Board projected after Rio de Janeiro was selected Friday to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. Rio will be the first South American city to host the Olympic Games.

“This is a day to celebrate for all Brazilians, who for the first time will organize one of the most important events on the planet,” Luiz Barretto, Brazil’s tourism minister, said in a statement. “The Olympic Games will promote Rio as a city abroad, but will also represent our entire country. This will provide immense increases in Brazilian tourism and for our economy in the long run.”

According to the Brazil Tour Operators Association, Rio will undergo major infrastructure improvements, upgrade its transportation system and adopt environmental initiatives in preparation for the Olympics.

Hotel capacity will more than double, world-class sports facilities are being designed, and the historic quarter and port area will be rejuvenated, said the BTOA.

A 2009 World Travel and Tourism Council survey ranks Brazil 13th among 181 countries analyzed for tourism efforts. The country is first among Latin American countries, noted Embratur, the Brazilian tourism board.

Of the foreign tourists that visit Rio annually, 22.5 percent are American, 8.1 percent are French, 6.9 percent are Argentinean, 5.8 percent are English and 4.9 percent are Chilean.