Brasília, February 20, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Embratur (Brazilian Tourism Company) foresees a 5.5% growth in the flux of tourists during this year's Carnaval. The projected increase is expected to generate US$ 25 million more in revenues than Carnaval, 2003.

The cities of Salvador (BA), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), and Recife (PE) are the major attractions. Together, the three cities receive 83% of the total tourist flux and are responsible for 87% of the revenues produced by Carnaval.

115 thousand more revelers are expected this year than last. Pernambuco alone anticipates an 6.4% increase in the number of visitors, while Bahia and Rio de Janeiro are expecting increases of 6% and 3.4%, respectively, according to José Francisco Lopes, Embratur director of studies and research. (DAS)