DESTINATION
São Paulo
DOING BUSINESS IN
S
ão Paulo is the commercial hub not just of Brazil, but of Latin America. If it were a country its GDP would rank it as one of the largest
in the world. The ex-Portuguese colony’s huge coffee export income has enabled it to grow into a wealthy industrial city, and now it's following the global trend into services. International law, consulting and financial services are all strongly represented, too. GETTING THERE
There are very few non-stop flights between the UK/Ireland and São Paulo. Oneworld partners Latam and British Airways both have a daily flight from Heathrow, as does Virgin Atlantic through its Brazilian codeshare partner GOL. A connecting flight will be required if any other carrier or UK or Irish airport is used. The centre of São Paulo is about 15 miles southwest of Guarulhos (GRU – the international airport), so a taxi or airport transfer should be organised.
STAYING THERE Traffic in São Paulo is so heavy that taxis can sometimes take an hour, so it’s vital for the hotel to be close to the intended meeting. First impressions are important in Brazil and businesspeople are judged not just by their dress but by their accommodation. Business hotels are plentiful around Avenida Paulista and in the districts of Jardins and Itaim Bibi, which are also home to some of the city’s finest restaurants.
Hotel Emiliano, a boutique hotel on Rua Oscar Freire, one of São Paulo’s most stylish streets, has many sophisticated features. These include a fully-equipped spa, a vertical garden, a champagne bar and even a rooftop helipad. The Renaissance São Paulo, also close to a metro and Avenida Paulista and Rua Oscar Freire, has the bonus of two betterthan-hotel-average restaurants: Terraço Jardins features Brazilian cuisine with local ingredients from small producers, or Living Lounge Bar & Sushi for Japanese food.
Located in downtown Brooklin, São Paulo’s new commercial district, the Grand Hyatt São Paulo is close to Itaim Bibi and Congonhas (the domestic airport) and has panoramic city views and two international restaurants. The Hilton São Paulo Morumbi is situated inside the CENU Complex, close to Berrini Avenue, WTC Convention Center and Berrini rail station. The city’s skyline can be admired from most of the guestrooms and there are stunning views of the Ponte Estaiada suspension bridge from the top floor’s swimming pool and fitness centre. FCMUPGRADE.COM
13
