Juliana Andrade
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Brasília – Minister of Tourism, Walfrido dos Mares Guia, says he does not believe the country's tourism industry will be harmed by the weak dollar. According to Mares Guia, some 6 million foreigners are expected to visit Brazil this year and spend $5 billion here.

The minister points out that last year 5.4 million foreigners came to Brazil.

"With the weaker dollar, more Brazilians are going abroad. But at the same time, more foreigners are coming to Brazil," said the minister, adding that a strong advertising campaign has helped. "We have set up Embratur offices in various cities, participated in 40 fairs and have run 16 workshops all around the world. We are spreading the news about tourism in Brazil."

Mares Guia said that this year it is expected that out of the expected 6 million tourists, 2.5 million of them will be from Europe. "We now have 30 direct flights to the Northeast from various points in Europe. That should mean a lot more Europeans will be coming."

Translation: Allen Bennett