Rio - This year, from January to August, tourism revenue rose 36.5%, compared to the same period last year. According to the Central Bank, tourists brought a total of US$2.1 billion to Brazil, compared to US$1.5 billion during the same period last year. The really good news, according to minister of Tourism, Walfrido dos Mares Guia, is that the incoming revenue has been much more than what Brazilians are spending abroad. Mares Guia points out that for decades Brazil has had a "tourism account deficit," but that finally there is a surplus which this year should reach US$450 million.

The minister says his sector priorities are investing in tourism promotion abroad and training personnel domestically, besides the US$69.4 million (R$200 million) budget for the 2007 Pan American games which will take place in Rio de Janeiro.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Aline Beckestein
Translator: Allen Bennett
09/23/2004