Rio, May 25, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - The fifth edition of the Brazil International Tourism Exchange got underway yesterday (24) in Rio de Janeiro. The event is bringing together around 300 tourism professionals from countries that never included Brazil in their itineraries, including companies from France and African nations, and 180 national professionals from the sector, such as representatives of hotels, inns, travel agencies, car rental agencies, service providers, and state and municipal departments of tourism.

The Tourism Exchange is expected to generate short-term revenues on the order of US$ 480 million. The Rio de Janeiro state secretary of Tourism, Sérgio Ricardo de Almeida, hopes to attract at least 50% of this total to his state.

Carlos Muzzio, director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa of the Brazilian airline, Varig, one of the originators of the Exchange, said that, based on the heightened demand for tourism, the outlook "is for Brazil to continue on the crest of the wave for at least another four years." Recent occurrences around the world, according to the executive, have benefitted Brazil, which is considered a safe haven in light of what is going on in the world. Moreover, Brazilians, especially "cariocas" (residents of the city of Rio de Janeiro), have an international reputation for their hospitality and receptivity to foreign tourists, he observed.

Another factor that stimulates tourism in Brazil is its low cost. With 15 euros nowadays, a foreign tourist can have an excellent meal at a Brazilian grill, while in Europe the same amount will only buy a sandwich and a hot dog. A demi-tasse of coffee costs 2 euros in Europe, Muzzio revealed.

The event is expected to encourage tourism in Brazil along two major dimensions: business trips and pleasure trips. The Brazil International Tourist Exchange will end tomorrow (26).

Reporter: Alana Gandra
Translator: David Silberstein