Brasília, February 18, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - "The tourism sector expects nearly everything to improve. If the economy grows 3.5% in 2004, we shall witness 7% growth in the sector." This declaration, made by the Minister of Tourism, Walfrido Mares Guia, accompanied the launching of the first edition of the Tourism Performance Bulletin, a qualitative survey that will publish data every three months on the economic situation of companies that operate in the area of tourism.

The survey represents a joint effort by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Embratur (Brazilian Tourism Company), based on interviews with 799 entrepreneurs, and indicates the profits obtained between October and December, 2003, and expectations for 2004.

According to data from the bulletin, earnings increases this year are anticipated by 99% of tourist companies, 90% of travel agencies, and 74% of hotels.

Mares Guia affirmed that, if expansion in the sector becomes permanent, it will be possible to meet the Ministry's targets for 2007: generate 1.2 million jobs, attract 9 million foreign tourists, earn US$ 8 billion in foreign currency, and attain 65 million domestic arrivals. (DAS)