Brasília - Showing the good things that exist in Brazil without denying the existence of problems. For President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, this could represent one of the formulas for increasing tourism in the country. "In Brazil we often commit the mistake of letting only the bad things appear, instead of extolling our virtues without refusing to recognize the bad things that do exist. We needn't deny them, but we have to show the other, good points we have," the President declared in his address today at the opening of the World Tourism Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development, in Salvador, in the Northeastern state of Bahia.

Between now and December 6, when the Forum ends, approximately 30 Ministers of Tourism from various countries will discuss strategies for the implementation of sustainable tourism around the globe.

According to Lula, tourism demands great professionaism and competence and should be viewed as essential to the sustainable development that countries need so badly, as a source of wealth and jobs.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Irene Lôbo
Translator: David Silberstein
12/01/2004