Jorge de Jesus, Director General of TAM Airlines for Spain, Portugal and Africa

TAM is presently one of the most dynamic airlines and features the best international development rate, provides services for over 180 airports among Brazil and other destinations, and plans a continuous expansion as a response to the perspectives of tourism and economic growth in the South American Giant.

What does 2012 FITUR mean to TAM?
FITUR is one of the most important events for tourism promotion on Earth. Due to cultural and historical reasons, this fair is attended by a huge number of professional from the South American continent, our influence area, and that’s the reason why our presence turns out to be compulsory.

How has the airline done it in 2011?
TAM continues its successful growth career. The route between Madrid and Brazil obtained last year the best results since it was launched back in December 2007. Nowadays, TAM counts on 156 airplanes, standing as the biggest airline in South America, and operates 43 destinations in Brazil and 19 in Latin America, United States and Europe. Taking into account the deals signed with different national and international companies, TAM works with 92 airports in Brazil and other 92 all over the world.

What are your present and future plans?
The latest route that we have inaugurated is Mexico City, in October. TAM will continue innovating so as to maintain and improve its excellent service.

What do you make of the present and future of the tourism sector?
The South American continent, Brazil in particular, goes on with its significant expansion in all of the sectors, especially in tourism. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro annually host thousands of events and conventions.

In the rest of the country, specifically in the Northeast, the development of tourism features enviable rates. Three upscale events are going to be held in Brazil within the next years: the 2013 JMJ (World Youth Day); the 2014 World Football Championship and the 2016 Olympics. The Brazilians and South Americans are traveling more frequently; the numbers are soaring, and they discovering beauties around the world. We are very hopeful on the present and future of tourism in Brazil.