WTM-LONDON 2018

Jericoacoara - CE

A WORLD OF DISCOVERY Unique experiences, lush landscapes, culture, history, sun and beaches await you

Foto: Jade Queiroz/MTUR

WTM Special Edition - LONDON November 2018 - Free Distribution

Brasil

Index President - Roy Taylor

SOUTHEAST

38-39 ....... Rio de Janeiro 40-41 ....... São Paulo 42 ............ Ilhabela 04 ....... Editorial 06 ....... German Tourists in Brazil

43-44 ....... Minas Gerais 45-46 ....... Espírito Santo

07 ....... How to get to Brazil 10 ....... Embratur 11 ....... Ministry os Tourism 12 ....... How to get 13 ....... Electronic Visa 16 ....... Open Skies

MIDWEST

47-48 ....... Mato Grosso do Sul 49-50 ....... Distrito Federal

18 ....... Gastronomy 20-21 .. Events 22 ....... Religious Tourism

NORTH

51-52 ....... Amazonas NORTHEAST

24-25 ....... Alagoas 26-27 ....... Bahia 28-29 ....... Ceará 30 ....... Maranhão 32-33 ............ Paraíba 34-35 ....... Pernambuco

53-54 ....... Pará

Vice-President - Rosa Masgrau (rosamasgrau@mercadoeeventos.com.br) (55-11) 3123-2222 - (55-21) 3215-1827 Chief Editor - Anderson Masetto (anderson.masetto@mercadoeeventos.com.br) (55-11) 3123-2236 Web-Editor - Pedro Menezes (pedro.menezes@mercadoeeventos.com.br) (55-21) 3215-1844 Director of Sales - Mari Masgrau (mari.masgrau@mercadoeeventos.com.br) (55-11) 3123-2249 Administrative and Financial Director - Juliana Barbosa (juliana.barbosa@mercadoeeventos.com.br) (55-21) 3215-1846 Marketing Assistant Roberta Saavedra (roberta.saavedra@mercadoeeventos.com.br) (55-21) 3215-1836 Operational Andreia Boccalini (andreia.boccalini@mercadoeeventos.com.br) (55-11) 3123-2222 Photographer Eric Ribeiro | Designer Patrick Peixoto Reportage SP - (55-11) 3123-2239/2240 Igor Regis (igor.regis@mercadoeeventos.com.br) Lisia Minelli (lisia.minelli@mercadoeeventos.com.br) Eduardo Ribeiro (eduardo.ribeiro@mercadoeeventos.com.br) Reportage RJ - (55-21) 3215-1844 Customer Service (55-11) 3123-2222 IT Infrastructure Management WorkNet Tecnologia (fernando.carilo@worknetecnologia.com.br) Internet Management GRM Internet e Serviços (55-21) 3993-8492

SOUTH

55-56 ....... Paraná 57-58 ....... Santa Catarina 59-60 ....... Rio Grande do Sul

36-37 ....... Rio Grande do Norte BRAZIL

61-62 ... Brazil: other destinations

Commercial Department São Paulo (55-11) 3123-2222 Rio de Janeiro (55-21) 3215-1836 São Paulo Rua Barão de Itapetininga, 151 Térreo - Centro - CEP 01042-001 Telefone (55-11) 3123-2222 Rio de Janeiro Avenida das Américas, 14.591 Grupo 403 - CEP 22790-701 Telefone (55-21) 3215-1836 Representative in Portugal Antonio Luiz Acciolly (antonioluizaccioly@gmail.com) + (351) 91199-0448 A publication of the Editora Mercado e Eventos Ltda The articles and opinions of third parties published in the edition do not necessarily reflect the position of the newspaper

WELCOME A country to discover It is unimaginable that in a single country, it is possible to have so many different experiences. Brazil is a diverse destination, although it is widely recognized in the world for the natural beauty of its beaches. There are also other internationally famous qualities, such as the Amazon in the North, and the Iguazu Falls in the South.

But there is much more than this: there is a whole world to be discovered.

For all its appeal and for being physically closer to the Northern Hemisphere, the Northeast region attracts the most attention. Stunning beaches, almost untouched paradises and a rich and diverse cultural profusion that cannot be described in one sentence. Therefore, travelling through Brazil is a unique experience. In each place that you arrive in, there is an accent, a dish, a characteristic of its own that gives a proper meaning to the destination.

But Brazil is not just the Northeast region. The North has tours and attractions for lovers of ecotourism and for those who want to get up close and personal with nature. Whether on a boat trip or experiencing a jungle hotel, there is a whole new world to be discovered in this region.

Going down to the Centre-West, there is also the option of ecotourism in the Pantanal and in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. It is in the Central Plateau that you will find Brasilia, the federal capital of Brazil and an architectural landmark of humanity, with buildings known worldwide.

The most affluent region also offers greater diversity.

The Southeast is home to Rio de Janeiro, perhaps the most well known Brazilian destination outside of the country. Besides sun and beach, the Marvellous City offers a multitude of cultural attractions, gastronomy and nightlife for tourists. Still talking about sun and beach, Espírito Santo and the coast of São Paulo also stand out, but one can also cite all the history and culture of Minas Gerais, as well as the gastronomy and museums of São Paulo.

Finally, the south of the country boasts attractions such as the Iguazu Falls, in Paraná - one of the seven new wonders of nature. In addition, taking a stroll through Santa Catarina or even through Rio Grande do Sul, it is easy to find traces of European culture within its architecture, gastronomy and customs. There is a lot to discover and over the next few pages, we will show a little of what this rich country has to offer its visitors.

Happy reading!

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FIND YOUR DESTINATION C

M

Roraima

Y

Amapá

CM

MY

Amazonas

CY

Maranhão

Pará

Ceará

Paraíba

Piauí

Acre

Rio Grand e do Norte

Pernambuco Alagoas

Rondônia

Tocantins

Sergipe

Bahia

Mato Grosso Goiás

DF

Minas Gerais

Mato Grosso do Sul São Paulo Paraná Santa Cartarina

North region Midwest region South region Northeast Region Southeast region

Rio Grande do Sul

Espírito Santo

Espírito Santo

CMY

K

BRAZIL

Information about Brazil Official Name: Federative Republic of Brazil Capital: BrasĂ­lia Location: East of South America Language: Portuguese President: Michel Temer Currency: Real (R$) Minister of Tourism: Vinicius Lummertz

North region Midwest region South region North East Region Southeast region

Tourism trade balance points to a resumption The year of 2018 started very well for the trade balance of Brazilian Tourism.

International tourists that visited the country in January spent about US$779 million. The number is 17.8% higher compared to the same period last year, which recorded an expenditure of US$661 million. The good results started in 2017, when the country received a record number of 6.6 million foreigners,

in this period, total expenditure was US$5.8 billion. The target for 2018 is to account for 12 million international visits.

The good news for those selling trips here is that Brazilians have also started to travel abroad again. If foreigners are spending more here, our travellers have not let up, and have recorded double-digit growth in their out-ofcountry spending in recent months. In

Expenses of Brazilians abroad US$ 25,028

US$ 25,566

US$ 17,356

US$ 14,497

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January, the increase was of 26.8%, at R$2 billion. It is the best result for the month since 2015, when US$2.24 billion was recorded.

If we look at 2017, the increase was even higher, with a total of US$19 billion, 16.6% more than in 2016, when Brazilians spent US$14.49 billion abroad.

It was the best result since 2014, when US$25.6 billion was registered.

Expenses of foreigners in Brazil US$ 19,000

US$ 6,7

US$ 6,9

US$ 5,8

US$ 6,0

US$ 5,8

BRAZIL

Learn more about British tourists visiting Brazil Brazil and Great Britain have a proximity based on the growing interest of Brazilians and the British in discovering attractions and the tourist diversity of both countries. Brazilian interest in Britain grew in 2017, according to figures released by Visit Britain, the UK’s national tourism agency. More than 200,000 Brazilians landed in the country last year, an increase of 37% compared to 2016. Spending also rose to 208 million pounds and grew 29% in the same comparison.

On the other hand, Brazil closed last year, after receiving 6.58 million foreign tourists. There were 42,000 more visitors than REASON FOR TRAVEL - Last year, 39.4% of English tourists visiting Brazil, said they did so for leisure, with business representing 18.8%. The rest claimed other reasons. The nature segment recorded 35.4% and was the main motivation for trips. Tourism in search of cultural diversity was responsible for 32.2% and the sun & beach segment attracted 28.8%. Besides, 45.5% said they were coming to Brazil for the first time, while 54.5% said they had previously visited the country.

TYPE OF LODGING - Hotels, apartments or B&Bs accounted for 38% of accommodation used by the British visiting Brazil. In second place, the homes of friends or relatives came in at 36.7%.

Campsites or hostels accounted for 13.1%.

TYPE OF TOURISTS - Of those who were here last year, 50.8% came alone, 21.4% were couples without children and 12% decided to come with friends to Brazil. Of the British total, 59.6% were men and the majority (22.8%) were between 25 and 31 years old. Next, with 21.6%, were tourists in the age group between 32 and 40 years

in 2016, when the country had just beaten a record due to of the Olympic Games. It was Brazil’s South American neighbours that helped increase the number of foreign tourists in 2017, with an increase of 11.1% (from 3.7 million to 4.1 million).

The United Kingdom, which was ranked 10th in 2013, on the list of countries that send most tourists to Brazil, rose to 8th place last year, sending 202,671.

Read more about the EMBRATUR survey on demand profiles of international tourist from the United Kingdom.

old, followed by 41 to 50 years old, with 17.6% of the total. At least 41.4% of the total said they had a college degree, whilst 37.9% had a postgraduate degree.

AVERAGE SPENDING - The British tourist who came for business spent on average US$ 97.86 per day, while the leisure tourist’s spent about US$ 73.7 per day.

LENGTH OF STAY - The average length of stay for leisure travellers was 14 days, and those who travelled for business, averaged 12 days. Of the total number of British people, at least 90.8% expressed their intention to return another time and only 9.2% stated that they would not return.

PREFERRED DESTINATIONS - The British who came for leisure, stated that the city of Rio de Janeiro accounted for 82.2% of the total, followed by Foz do Iguaçu, with 41%, followed by the cities of São Paulo with 27.5%, Paraty, with 14.9%, and then Angra dos Reis, with 12.4%. Out of the British who came on business, the preferred destination was Rio de Janeiro with 45.1%, followed by São Paulo with

39.7% and Porto Alegre with 5.5% of the total.

TRIP ORGANIZATION - Internet searches totalled 49.9% as the main information source for British tourists interested in coming to Brazil. The information from friends and relatives accounted for 25.1%.

Those opting for a travel agency package (flight, hotel and transfers) accounted for 4.9%.

DEGREE OF SATISFACTION - The survey also revealed that in relation to the level of trip satisfaction, at least 30.2% said that their stay exceeded expectations, while 52.6% confirmed that it fully attended their expectations. Only 2.6% said they were disappointed. Of the items that stood out the most, 78.4% highlighted the cleanliness of the cities they visited, while 69.5% highlighted safety and 89.7% preferred to highlight the taxi service, followed by public transport with 79.2% and tourism signage with 78.8%. Regarding infrastructure, the most praised item was airports, with 92.8%, followed by lodging, with 96%, and gastronomy with 93.5%.

WTM-LONDON 2018 | MERCADO & EVENTOS | 7

The State of Amazonas is unique and offers tourists the richest ecotourism and fishing experience in the world. Folklore is a symbol of the region's cultural identity. A memorable highlight being the greatest spectacle on earth, the Parintins Festival, which takes place in the last week of June, in the heart of the forest!

EMBRATUR

Embratur highlights favourable business environment between Brazil and the United Kingdom

Teté Bezerra, president of Embratur

Brazil’s presence at WTM London, one of the most important global travel trade shows, has helped secure favourable deals both for Brazilian operators and the destinations participating in the event. This is according to EMBRATUR Brazilian Tourism Institute, responsible fo r t h e N at i o n a l co m p a n i e s a n d government bodies, who annually attend the event. The president of EMBRATUR, Teté Bezerra, highlights the positive results achieved, by the exhibitors, at the last edition: “In 2017, the amount of business generated quadrupled in relation to the previous year. The expectation is that the return on investment, over the course of 2018, will more than exceed 60 times the value contributed by EMBRATUR at the event”.

According to Teté, the UK is one of the priority markets for the Institute’s promotional actions, ranked eighth out of the countries that send most tourists to Brazilian destinations: “When it comes to Europe, it’s the third market, behind only France and Germany. WTM London annually brings together leading brands and names from the tourism industry around the world. This is yet another opportunity for Brazil to present its product catalogue and, consequently, attract more international tourists”.

At the World Travel Market, the president of EMBRATUR identifies opportunities to intensify tourist promotional conversations and actions

within the market. “This is especially true as we launch new digital products that keep up with the scanning industry trend. The first of them is the ‘Visit Brasil Market Place’ platform, which can be considered as the digital version of a traditional tourism fair.

Other initiatives include two new portals - Theme Parks (themeparks.visitbrasil. com) and Surf Brazil (surf. visitbrasil.com) -, which bring segmented information to tourists who want to know about these two specific niches”, she points out.

According to Teté Bezerra, the products are part of the Institute’s digital strategy and the constant pursuit for innovation in this industry, which is being increasingly impacted by technological advances and changes in the tourism marketing process, from searching attractive destinations, airlines tickets and hotels to the purchase itself.

“Public institutions that help the development and management o f to u r i s m m u st a l s o fo l l o w t h e technological progress. We are attentive to the best global practices and are willing to modernize our performance model to better serve the market and attract more international tourists to Brazil”, she says.

The first portal, Theme Parks, was designed to consolidate essential information for foreign tourists who like to venture into amusement parks, water parks and other tourist attractions.

Brazil has several parks and the purpose of the site is to be a hub of essential information.

The purpose of the two sites is to improve the experience of foreign visitors in Brazil. “The portals connect and broaden the relationship of Brazilian tourism with foreigners and have been customized so that tourists can maximise their travels. Increasingly, international tourists are seeking great experiences”, the president of EMBRATUR explains.

According to a Euromonitor analysis, the demand for longdistance destinations focusing on

10 | MERCADO & EVENTOS | WTM-LONDON 2018

sustainable tourism is growing in the UK market. Aware of the trend of conscious consumption in the United Kingdom, EMBRATUR has focused on the promotion of Responsible Tourism projects in Brazil for this year’s edition of the London held, Experience Latin America (ELA), a B2B event that brought together major operators and travel agencies that sell Latin America, in the UK, and leading receptive service companies in the region. “ In international markets, it is important to highlight actions developed in Brazilian destinations that offer collaborative, intelligent and sustainable tourism, which acts as a social and environmental development strategy, guaranteeing the preservation of the environment and generating income and employment for the population to have a better life in those locations”, she says.

The leader points out that EMBRATUR’s participation in ELA is fundamental to improving the market’s expertise regarding the destination Brazil, as it is a high technical level event, which provides a favourable environment for expanding business to the country. “In view of the positive repercussions of our participation this year, we are very optimistic about the next developments of this action”, Teté Bezerra concluded.

EMBRATUR will share the event promotion agenda with the British public and as soon as it is defined, the UK Regional Consulate in South America will be able to participate in these actions. Teté Bezerra reminds us that Brazil, as a tourist destination, has the potential and motives to be proud of and envision the development of its economy through tourism.

According to the World Economic Forum, Brazil ranks first among the countries with the highest natural potential. The renowned Condé Nast Traveler magazine, aimed at high standard tourism, has chosen Brazil as the most beautiful country on the planet and the proposal is that the new elected officials can prioritize tourism as a fundamental instrument in the process of resumption of economic growth. In Brazil, tourism represents 7.2% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and estimates the generation of 2 million jobs over the next four years.

MINISTRY OF TOURISM

MTur: Brazil should invest in Tourism to accelerate economic growth Brazil is starting to show signs of recovery in the economic area, as well as widening the horizon for greater political stability with the election of a new president. Regardless of these factors, the Minister of Tourism, Vinícius Lummertz, argues that Brazil needs to adopt Tourism as an instrument to amplify a development policy and a way to open the country to external investment in the sector. “Us, the government and private initiatives, believe in tourism as an activity that generates development and jobs and we are seeing this happen. Together, we can help the country open up to attract international investment and grow”, the minister said.

He reminds us that the tourism industry is a concrete alternative to making the Brazilian market available to foreign investment, through low cost airlines, theme parks, maritime cruises, natural parks concessions and hotel chains. “This is how we will improve our business environment, generate more destination competitivity, more jobs and income for the tourism economy”, he says.

According to Lummertz, the importance of the sector is vital so that the country’s economic development can return a positive result: “We need to accelerate measures to create a favourable business environment and attract investors to our market. We have to implement effective measurest that can contribute to this.

Transformations within the airline sector need to be done, in order to make it more accessible and competitive, like more low costs companies, reduction in the tax burden and extension of the visa relaxation program”.

NEW FLIGHTS - With an eye on the European market, the Ministry of Tourism has also invested in negotiations with international airlines in order to expand the routes linking Brazil to destinations in Europe, including the United Kingdom.

According to the National Aviation Agency (ANAC), the number of weekly flights connecting Brazil to Europe grew more than 12% (this year?) compared to 2017, surpassing 250 flights a week.

Lummertz recalls that international air transport has grown. An example is Ceará, which after the creation of the KLM-Air France hub in the state has increased from 8 international flights

Vinicius Lummertz, Minister of Tourism

a week to 48: “And it has the potential to reach 60 weekly flights”.

ACTIONS PROGRAM- The minister recognizes that more needs to be done.

He cites the case of the licensing of the national parks for use by tourists, as well as the creation of facilities to attract international theme parks: “We have to develop the licensing of marinas and adopt a series of trade demands”. He reminds us that if these reforms are extended and the pace accelerated, Brazil can become a stage for the largest investments in the most diverse areas: “We currently have investments of around US$8 billion if we add public and private sectors, but we have to double them. And this can happen from the moment we cheapen the so-called Brazil Cost and create the ideal conditions to invest”.

The minister reminds us of the logistic importance of the tourism industry, as a factor of mobility and connectivity or because of its impact on the economy: “Brazil needs to pay more attention to this industry as other countries have done, such as Portugal, France, Greece, Spain and many others. I remember that tourism is associated with production and we have clear examples of cities that have developed with this industry, as is the case of Gramado”.

PROJECTS - The minister also

defended the approval by Congress of the implantation of casinos in resorts: “ T h e re a re i nte r n at i o n a l g ro u ps interested in investing in Brazil, as well as exploring the Brazilian coast.

There are no limits to exploiting the great potential of this industry in the country and our homework is to do it competently”.

Another key measure, he said, is for the transformation of EMBRATUR into a development agency, in order to expand promotion programs to the main international destinations.

According to the minister, with a change of status, the institute could receive more support from the private sector and make tourism an instrument to help Brazil overcome the crisis: “The new agency will allow more resources to be invested in promoting Brazil, but it will also allow businessmen to participate in the sector by becoming board members. I do not see any reason for resistance and the ideal model would be similar to Apex, which was created by the National SEBRAE and it worked.

There is no reason to resist an idea that has worked well at other times. Those who are against this change follow the corporatism and conservatism model and Brazil needs to move forward”, he concludes.

WTM-LONDON 2018 | MERCADO & EVENTOS | 11

HOW TO GET

HOW TO GET TO BRAZIL Dear travel professionals and British passengers, connectivity between Brazil and England remains large and full of options.

The flights that carry Brazilians and the British daily between the two country’s can be direct or with quick stops in European hubs. To reach the South, Midwest, Southeast and Northeast

regions of Brazil you can fly via Lisbon, with TAP; Paris, with Air France; and Amsterdam, with KLM. Latam Brazil and British Airways operate daily direct flights to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. More details of each company’s operations can be found below.

These two companies operate daily flights departing from London to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. They are the best options for those who live in both cities or for those who prefer to take national connections by Brazilian companies. Flights to São Paulo, for example, are daily and take about 11 hours. There are six flights a week (except Fridays) to Rio de Janeiro, operated by both British Airways and Latam Brasil, and take roughly the same time.

These airlines don’t offer direct flights between London and Brazil, but these European companies offer short connections in their hubs in Lisbon, Paris and Amsterdam, respectively. These flights are considered key if you are not going to Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo as a final destination and if you need at least one connection. In this case, many prefer to make their connections in Europe before arriving in Brazil. TAP, for example, has flights to all regions of Brazil, while Air France and KLM now have a large hub in Fortaleza, Ceará.

OTHER COMPANIES

It is still possible to arrive in Brazil with Lufthansa (with connections in Germany), Alitalia (via Rome), Iberia (via Madrid) or Swiss (via Zurich), these flights also arrive in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. Air Europa, with a connection in Madrid, besides São Paulo, has flights to Salvador, which is another opportunity to reach the Northeast of Brazil.

ELETRONIC VISA

Electronic visa goes into effect and facilitates the arrival of Canadian, Australian, Japanese and American tourists to Brazil The doors are more open than ever for foreign tourists. Since January 25, travellers from Australia, Canada, the United States and Japan can apply for an electronic visa to visit Brazil. The initiative proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, is another form found by the federal government to increase the number of foreigners in the country and, consequently, generate more employment and income for Brazilians. And, in this case, everyone wins: the cities will be fuller, the consulates emptier and the tourists happier and visits to Brazil will be more comfortable too. It is one of the largest investments made in recent years to try to surpass the mark of 6 million foreign tourists, far below the potential of the country.

The expectation could not be higher.

Japan and Canada are expected to send 25% more tourists from now on, while the United States is expected to double the number of travellers to Brazil. With regards to the most powerful nation in the world, the hope is that the number of tourists will jump from 570,000 to over 1 million in the next ten years, that is, double the number of Americans by 2028, meaning that US$710 million more would enter into the Brazilian coffers.

To get a sense of this potential that will be explored, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs registered a 70% increase in visa applications in the United States. The increase was also noted in other countries: 26% in orders made in Japan and 57% in Australia. In Canada, there was an increase of 4%. This data forms part of the first balance sheet made after the adoption of the measure that facilitates the arrival of tourists through the electronic visa, taking into account the first 15 days of February, compared to the same period of 2017.

The life of these tourists has changed.

Until then, obtaining a visa to visit Brazil was an arduous task. Travellers needed to look for a Brazilian consulate within these countries, sometimes having to travel, to enter the application process that took 40 days. That is, it was necessary to return to the consulate after this period just to get the long-awaited visa. From now on, the wait is only 72 hours and everything can be done directly through the Internet.

This relieves the requests made at our

consulates, which now have more time to take care of Brazilians who live outside the country, which creates the famous surprises trips, those that happen without the proper family planning.

The release of the electronic visa for these four countries was the subject of controversy among those who do not work in the tourism sector. Many have expressed outrage at opening doors to countries such as the United States, for example, while not having the same perks or facilities here, that is, procedures that are not reciprocal. Elucidating these issues was essential for those who work with tourism. This is because, the relationship between Brazil and the US, for example, is totally different.

Brazilians do everything to visit Orlando, Miami and New York, while Americans see Brazil as just another opportunity. For them, if it is difficult to visit Brazil, it is simple to buy a ticket to the Caribbean and take advantage of the crystal clear waters and luxurious and well-prepared resorts. The release of the electronic visa is a form found by the government to open these doors widely, bringing more money to those companies that work in a sector that includes a total of 53 services.

Although the advantages are adequately clear, the growth of tourism in Brazil does not depend only on the release of the electronic visa. A number of other measures need to be approved and soon enter into force, so that one can enjoy a more modern and appropriate sector. Among the measures considered primordial is the increase of flights between Brazil and the United States with the possible agreement of Open Skies and the bill to allow airlines to publicly trade, which will bring even more investment into Brazil.

Although the electronic visa has been released in four countries, it is in the United States that the main effort is focused, because of the full potential of travel and shopping made by Americans.

The idea, if all these measures come into force, is to increase the number of Americans coming to Brazil by 40% soon, in the short term, a reality that is no longer a dream since January 25, 2018.

Visitors from Canada, Australia, Japan and the United States already have the benefit

CHINESE ON THE WAY The Electronic Visa has been released to Australia, Canada, USA and Japan is a major and important step. So much so that the next step is already being discussed.

China is now in the Ministry of Tourism’s sights. Advances have already occurred and Brazil has started invested in Visa Centres there: from seven to 13 with the goal of implementing the measure there.

It is not just today that the Chinese market has enormous potential. They are no less than 130 million Chinese traveling annually around the world and just over 50,000 come to Brazil. Now it only depends on the federal government so that one can actually invest in this market.

HOW IT WORKS The facility to get the visa is very large.

To request the document, access the website www.vfsglobal.com/brazil-evisa and follow the required procedures. Once the request has been made, the electronic visa, if approved by Brazilian authorities, will be delivered within 72 hours. The permit is valid for two years and does not prevent the person requesting the traditional visa at the Brazilian consulate. The initiative was a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, since it is expected to grow the number of tourists and, consequently, the money they bring into the country, generating employment and income. It is important to note that the processing of the electronic visa is not for emergencies and takes up to five working days, so you must apply in advance. The visa is valid only for leisure and business travel. As stated above, the process of validity, solicitation, payment of fees, analysis, concession and issuance of the benefit have a duration of 72 hours, a positive point if compared to the 40 days previously required.

WTM-LONDON 2018 | MERCADO & EVENTOS | 13

OPEN SKIES

Open Skies: the agreement that promises more jobs and flights between the USA and Brazil

About 20 or 30 years from now, when WTM-LA is over 25 years old, tourism professionals will wonder how it was possible that Brazil and the United States were so near and yet hadn’t implemented measures, considered simple, to aid passenger flow, that increased on a daily basis. Professionals will be shocked to discover that the electronic visa for Americans to visit Brazil was only officially launched in 2018. They will be amazed to discover that before March of the same year, American and Brazilian airlines could only have 301 weekly flights linking the countries, which prevented, for example, several Brazilian state capitals having their own international flights.

However, in the end, they will end up celebrating the achievements in a year that can be considered historical for the development of the entire sector. The future tourism professional, who will be promoting destinations in the years 2035/2040, will need to thank what is happening in Brazil now, in 2018. The effort of the whole chain is bringing an air of modernity to Brazilian tourism.

Whether by the Open Skies Agreement, by airlines publicly trading, by the launch of the electronic visa or by mandatory electronic security for all companies that carry out credit cards transactions, known as PCI DDS. However, one thing is certain: despite all the efforts and barriers, tourism is evolving.

And when it comes to the Open Skies

Agreement, a number of advantages and disadvantages are addressed that, in one way or another, will be of interest the consumer when planning a end of year trip to Disney, for example.

Signed by Dilma Rousseff and Barack Obama back in 2011, the Open Skies agreement has only came to light now in 2017. Approved by the House of Representatives, the bill now needs to go through the Federal Senate to be put into practice. Some articles of this agreement, however, are already in place due to a memorandum of understanding between the two countries, such as the free pricing regime, the creation of new routes and the possibility of codesharing (cooperation agreement by which airlines transport each others passengers).

With the possible full approval of the Federal Senate, the international political concept, which calls for more flexibility in the rules and regulations of the commercial airline industry, will be there to create a free market environment with the objective of loosening the laws and minimizing the intervention of the federal governments.

With the Open Skies agreement, in practice, airlines will be able to offer more flights and competition should reduce the price of airfares. It is good to remember that similar agreements have already been adopted in 120 countries, which shows the success of this type of agreement.

16 | MERCADO & EVENTOS | WTM-LONDON 2018

But what do Brazilian airlines think of this? Latam Brazil, for example, is already awaiting approval to follow through with its plans to create a Joint Venture with American Airlines that will cover Brazil and parts of its Spanishspeaking subsidiaries. “Experiences with the implementation of Open Skies in different countries show that there is a tendency for prices to fall due to increased competition between airlines. The decision will bring great benefits, not only for those traveling between Brazil and the USA, but for the whole tourism industry and for Brazilian consumers. The Open Skies will boost job creation and will be an important stimulus to our economy in the coming years, especially at this time of recovery”, Latam Brazil CEO Jerome Cadier said.

The president of Avianca Brasil, Frederico Pedreira also spoke on the subject and he is total agreement with the Open Skies proposal. However, Pedreira took the opportunity to make some caveats. “We believe that in order to have balanced competition, Brazilian and international companies must be subject to the same rules. In general, competition is important for the market and offers consumers new options, increasing the availability of flights to and from the United States”, he said.

Azul CEO, John Rodgerson believes the Open Skies Agreement may not be so favourable to Brazilian companies.

He says the agreement would only be interesting if the rules allow for the same participation on both sides. “The American legislation for pilots is much more flexible than the Brazilian one, for example. They can fly more hours than our pilots. And that’s bad for Brazil.

Because the pilots won’t be able to compete at the same level and may loose their jobs”, he explained.

Gol sees the Open Skies policy as positive, which aims for the freedom of fight operations between Brazil and the United States. In a note, the company also states that there are currently no negotiations to sign a Joint Venture agreement with airlines from USA. However, Gol did not elaborate on the possible benefits or setbacks that the market might have.

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GASTRONOMY

Brazil: a mix of gastronomy and culture There is no denying that Brazil is a land of cultural diversity, but when the subject is gastronomy this plurality of colours and flavours becomes even more evident. Marvellous spices, street food, traditional desserts and unique ingredients are part of this cultural mix, which includes European, indigenous and African traditions, making the country an international gastronomic hub with possibilities to suit all tastes.

We must start with the classic and loved throughout Brazil: feijoada. A mixture of black beans with pork and several accompaniments make the dish something essential if you visit the

Typical gastronomy of Rio Grande do Sul

country. All this must be washed down with a traditional caipirinha.

Continuing through different regions, it is possible to find striking features of our cuisine. Among the highlights are the roll cake from Pernambuco, which consists of guava jam and sponge cake and whose flavour goes far beyond what can be explained in a few lines, the baião de dois, a mixture of rice, seasoned beans (from Ceará), as well as crab, Capote, made with guinea fowl, and tapioca, a pastry that comes from cassava that can be stuffed with sweet and savory ingredients, present in almost all the states of the region. But

Bolo de Rolo, Brazilian dessert typical of the state of Pernambuco

Carne de sol is a traditional food of the northeastern part of the country

as far as flavour is concerned, the best comes from the state of Bahia, which offers delicacies such as the bobó de camarão, moqueca, vatapá and acarajé.

Another food beloved and idolized

by Brazilians is the barbecue. With different cuts of meat and preparation, the south of the country stands out in this area, mainly with the famous steamed rib, a method that roasts the meat in holes made in the ground.

The international culture can be even more appreciated in São Paulo, where it is possible to find Italian pasta, Portuguese desserts and Japanese and Arabian food. The state is still popular for its street food with the most famous being the pastel (deep fried pasty), coxinha (chicken cake) and mortadela ham sandwich.

The bread with mortadela is a snack typical of the city of São Paulo

Moqueca, traditional at coastal regions, with seafood and spices

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INCENTIVE

Incentive Travel changes its profile and resumes growth Incentive Travel changes its profile and resumes growth.

D e s p i te h av i n g a c o n s o l i d a te d market and specialized operators, the incentive travel segment is susceptible to downturns in the economy, which influence not only the average travel expense, but also the number of travellers. And this influence can be perceived in the Brazilian market in the post-FIFA WORLD CUP years. “ The crisis has af fec ted a lot of markets dependent on marketing budgets. There was a big drop in 2014 and 2015. In 2016 Brazil was no longer on life support and in 2017 actually began recovering. Operators had to adjust, downsizing and using temporary labour. Some companies have reduced t h e n u m b e r o f p r i ze s a v a i l a b l e, others have reduced the standard of travel”, Luiz Salles, director of the Incentive Marketing Committee of the Promotional Marketing Association (AMPRO), says.

Even with signs of recovery, Salles points out that the economic downturn has changed market trends. “There was a reduction in costs: less days of travel, a decrease in the number of winners, a search for new destinations where the exchange rate is more favourable.

People are also substituting luxury for experiences - sophistication now has to be innovative, the unique experiences and the unusual. For this it is necessary to invest in a lot in the development of destinations”, he completes.

According to AMPRO, 25 agencies and operators in São Paulo, who have expert professionals, position themselves as specialists and carry out incentive trips in a systematic way, that is, they have a large share of their revenue coming from this segment. The organization also points out that there are at least 500 international incentive groups in Brazil every year.

DESTINATIONS Ev e n w i t h t h e m o d i f i c a t i o n o f models and levels of investment, some destinations are still among the companies’ favourites when it comes to booking incentive trips. “The Northeast continues to be the most popular. The average Brazilian wants and identifies

a lot with what these places have to offer: sun, good beaches, resorts with a lot of facilities and fun. Some other destinations also begin to appear, even because customers want variety, such as Bento Gonçalves, Bonito and Foz do Iguaçu”, Igor Tobias, vice president of Sustainable Relations at AMPRO, explains.

In relation to international destinations, companies have been choosing safe destinations such as Italy, Spain, South Africa and the Caribbean.

Portugal has been gaining space in this market, due to its infrastructure, gastronomy and, above all, language.

For international companies that choose Brazil, Igor Tobias points out that Rio de Janeiro, a favourite destination, has been losing ground to Foz do Iguaçu and North-eastern states.

With a downturn post-FIFA World Cup, the sector has grown again

TENDENCIES Economically speaking, the short and medium-term prospects are positive, with the resumption of investing in incentive trips. “The market is still recovering from the post-FIFA World Cup crisis, but we can already feel that money is returning to pre-Cup levels”, Tobias says.

In the behavioural aspect, the expert emphasizes that people can use trips as an ‘outlet’. “There is a belief in the industry that travel will be the outlet from the evils of the 21st century, such as anxiety, depression and the so-called “cocooning”, which is a decrease in socialization, isolation. The tourism industry has a lot to gain if it is able to exploit this, as well as incentive trips can be consolidated as the most desirable prize”, he concludes.

EVENTS

Music, popular culture and happiness, fuel Brazilian events A mix of races, colours and flavours, Brazil stands out for its miscegenation and plurality, derived from the most diverse people and countries. Brazil itself has the most distinct influences, such as indigenous, African, European and Asian, whose history has induced the country, from discovery to colony, as well as its characteristic of welcoming immigrants from different parts of the world. This mixture has made Brazil a unique country, with different customs, traditions and beliefs, which translate into hundreds of popular festivals and cultural events spread throughout the country, throughout the year. Add this to the various musical and sports events, which are gaining more space on the national calendar - even after the recent mega-events in the country - and are responsible for attracting international tourists.

Foto: RioTur

CARNIVAL: FROM THE SAMBADROME TO THE STREETS “The year only begins after carnival”.

The phrase is classic at the beginning of the year in Brazil and reflects the impor tance of the celebration on the national calendar. Five days of

Aerial view of the parade of samba schools in Sapucaí, Rio de Janeiro

revelry turns cities into places with vibrant colours, costumes, confetti and streamers. The carnival takes place in the months of February or March, depending on the year and is always 40 days before the beginning of Easter.

The most sought after destination by tourists during this period is Rio de Janeiro, registering about 1.1 million visitors. The highlight is the Marques de Sapucaí, where the traditional parades of samba schools take place during the Carnival mornings of Monday and Tuesday. In addition, the city becomes a catwalk for more than 500 little blocos (street parties) that attract people onto the streets.

Another region recognized for its Carnival celebration is the cit y of Salvador, in Bahia. Converted doubledecker buses with electric speakers and famous performances from Axé bands gather people in the main streets of Salvador where they sing the classic hits.

But the biggest street carnival in Brazil occurs in the state of Pernambuco, mainly in the cities of Recife, with the traditional Galo da Madrugada street party and the concerts in the central zone; and in Olinda, there are the famous

giant dolls that honour celebrities and characters from popular culture.

São João Festival: the flags, the forró and Brazilian culture During the month of June, coloured paper flags adorn the streets and churches, to celebrate the arrival of São João or the June Festival as it is called in some places, the most Brazilian party of all parties. Next to Carnival, this is one of the most popular celebrations that take place all over the country, but mainly in the Northeast, where the tradition is stronger. The cultural event takes place in celebration of Saint John, remembered on June 24, and the Saint Anthony, on June 13. However, because Brazilians love a reason to celebrate, the feast is not just celebrated on the days of homage, but during the entire month.

One of the main festivals take place in Campina Grande, in the state of Paraíba.

It is considered the largest São João Festival in the world. The event has been held in the city since 1983 and lasts for 30 whole days. During this time, more than 2 million people visit and sample delicious food and experience a night full of fun and lots of dancing.

EVENTS

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RELIGIOUS TOURISM

Religious tourism in Brazil generates R$15 billion and attracts almost 18 million people With an approximate audience of 300 million tourists a year, Religious Tourism is one of the fastest growing segments in the world. In Brazil, the segment is responsible for generating R$15 billion annually, attracting 17.7 million people, according to a survey by the Ministry of Tourism.

Also according to a MTur study, 96 destinations in the country have a calendar of religious events. In total, 344 cities have Religious Tourism attractions. The phenomenon is also a strong incentive for small businesses and investment, moving local economies in sectors such as industry, commerce, services, tourism and handicrafts, generating jobs and income in all regions of the country.

The city of Aparecida, in the countryside of São Paulo state, is Brazil’s most expressive destination in this segment, receiving more

than 12 million visitors annually. In 2017, the destination celebrated the 300 years since fishermen on the waters of the Paraíba River found the image of the patron saint of Brazil in October 1717. The image of the saint, measuring 29cm, is in the National Shrine of Our Lady Aparecida, the largest Catholic temple in Latin America.

On the day of Our Lady Aparecida, on October 12, devotees from all corners of the country also visit the Sanctuary.

Celebrations, masses and parades are held in homage to the Blessed Virgin and are followed by thousands of people.

The tourist complex encompasses other points such as the Church of St. Benedict, the Old Basilica, the catwalk of faith, Itaguaçu Harbor, where the image of the saint was found, and the Morro do Cruzeiro, which features sculptures representing the Via Sacra.

Círio de Nazaré attracts crowds in Belém

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CÍRIO DE NAZARÉ: THE LARGEST CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS PROCESSION IN THE COUNTRY On October 8, the capital of Pará, Belém, prepaes for its biggest event of the year: Círio de Nazaré, a religious procession that attracts more than 2 million people. Held for more than two centuries, the parade attracts people from Belém, from the countryside of Pará, from other regions of Brazil and even from other countries. They depart from the Cathedral of Belém to the Sanctuary of Nazareth, to honour Our Lady of Nazareth.

The celebration period lasts 15 days, when the image of the saint is visible for worship, a period called the “Nazarene court”.

In 2004 the Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage (Iphan) registered the celebration as a Cultural Heritage of Intangible Nature, for its grandeur and religious symbolism.

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LATIN AMERICA São Paulo, 2–4 April 2019

NORTHEAST Foto: Marco Ankosqui

Gunga Beach, in Barra de São Miguel, is one of the most amazing landscapes in the region

ALAGOAS

If you visit Alagoas, you may even think that you are in the Caribbean. But, in fact, it’s the Northeast of Brazil. One of the most crystalline waters in the country, which oscillates between blue and green, is also lukewarm and stimulates the enjoyment of many families that flock to the state’s natural pools. The North Coast of Alagoas, for example, is known as the Coral Coast, since it has the second largest barrier reef in the world. The coast stretches for 130km and is enhanced by the green of the coconut trees and the turquoise blue of the sea. It is difficult to not fall in love here.

The state capital, Maceió, known as the Paradise of Waters, as well as the sun and all the movement of the beach that enlivens the destination, offers its visitors lagoons, the crafts of Pontal da Barra, museums, mills, theatres and churches. It is definitely a complete city that fills the eyes of tourists. Just in the state capital, there are 40km of waterfront and 22km of lagoons, arousing a passion for its natural, cultural and historical beauties.

National and international gastronomy,

genuine craftsmanship and rich history also make Maceió your next stop in Brazil. The urban beaches and natural pools occupy 6km of coastline, with bike paths, plenty of trees, a promenade and trendy beach bars.

At the beaches of Jatiúca, Ponta Verde and Pajuçara, it is possible to enjoy the charm of the city at any time of the day, since they are the most imposing of the state capital.

From Pontal da Barra the boats depart on the nine islands tour, scattered along the Mundaú Lagoon. During the tour you will visit fishing villages, mangrove vegetation, sandbanks and even some secluded beaches where the lagoon meets the sea.

It is good to remember that Maceió does not rely on its beaches alone. There are several museums, art galleries and historic neighbourhoods like Jaraguá and Centro, which preserve an architectural complex full of houses, churches and collections from an era that portrays the history of the city. There are also crafts: the pieces are produced by women called “rendeiras” in the district of Pontal da Barra, a quiet place inhabited by artisans and fishermen. The

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Ministry of Culture recognizes these craftsmen as masters as they carry the wisdom to transform raw materials into art, culture and an identity.

It’s a mistake to think that the state capital of Alagoas is all about leisure. Maceió has a modern Convention Centre for events of different sizes. Its modern and air-conditioned structure caters comfortably and safely for tourists who come for business and events. Located just 5 minutes from the beachfront, where hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and leisure options are concentrated, the Convention Centre becomes an opportunity to turn a business trip into a mini holiday, as is now know by the term “bleisure”.

SÃO MIGUEL About 90 km from the capital, there is São Miguel dos Milagres, one of the most sought after places in Brazil to spend New Year’s Eve. You will find kilometres of almost deserted beaches, forming paradisiacal sceneries.

On every sidewalk, it is possible to find the local crafts of beautiful decorative pieces

NORTHEAST carved into wood. It makes for a perfect place to take a photo to post on Instagram, two beaches deserve to be highlighted: Toque Beach, with calm, warm and clear water and fine white sand. The natural pools are another attraction for those who visit.

With superb and cozy guesthouses, Toque Beach also has good restaurants. Another highlight is the beach that is in the village of Porto da Rua, where there are many boats that lead to the mouth of the Tatuamunha River. From here, you can find places to enjoy local gastronomy based on seafood.

CORAL COAST The Coral Coast, on the North Coast of Alagoas, will immediately charm you.

There are vast coconut palms, beautiful fine sandy beaches, a sea of warm water inhabited by extensive barriers of corals and, of course, the sun. The cities of the region still reveal true treasures formed by natural pools, rivers, ancient mills, rich cuisine, folkloric and artistic expressions, as well as great hospitality. It is during low tide that the beautiful natural pools appear in the fantastic coral barrier that integrates the Environmental Preservation Area - APA Costa dos Corais, created to protect the marine flora and fauna of the region. In all, 130km of beautiful beaches form the Coral Coast, which has options for all tastes, including surfing, nautical sports and fishing.

Diverse gastronomy, seafood is the highlight

Coconut trees, fine white sand, and crystal clear water

rast

Gunga Beach: nature’s cont

READ MORE State capital: MaceiĂł Website: sedetur.al.gov.br

Corais Coast preserves natu

ral beauty that is easy to

find

NORTHEAST

BAHIA

The Barra Lighthouse, in Salvador, helps tell a piece of the history of Brazil

The summer season in Bahia ends in March, but the state, a gateway to tourism in the Northeast, welcomes tourists throughout the whole year. Just in in the last season alone, there were 5.6 million domestic and foreign visitors. And there are good reasons to get to know or visit Bahia again. Close to the state capital, Salvador, there is a privileged coastline with resorts such as Itacaré, Ilhéus and Morro de São Paulo amongst others, where thousands of foreign tourists soak up its charms. The state is known as the birth of the country as it is where the Portuguese first landed.

Europeans arriving at the international airport, Antonio Carlos Magalhães in Salvador, immediately breathe in the tropical climate of pure relaxation and hospitality that captivate tourists. After all, Bahia is known not only for sun and sea itineraries, but for its cultural wealth and Afro descendant diversity, which is expressed in religious syncretism, combining different beliefs, while blending practices of various schools of thought. This faith and religious mix can be observed in the various celebrations that take place in churches and artistic venues.

The visiting Europeans, particularly Germans who visit the Northeast of Brazil, include Bahia in their itineraries. After all 26 | MERCADO & EVENTOS | WTM-LONDON 2018

there is a special interest in this north-eastern destination, the land of Jorge Amado, Dorival Caymi, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso and many other famous, local artists. And two factors contribute to bringing the European market even closer to Bahia. They say that in Bahia the summer lasts for the whole year. Certainly, the coast adorned with coconut trees lead the tourist to places near Salvador, such as Morro de São Paulo, Ilhéus and Itacaré, which are true oases of paradisiacal beaches that attract tourists throughout the year.

Another attraction of the state is its religious syncretism with its different expressions in “terreiros” (meeting places) and churches. It’s said that Salvador has 365 churches, one for each day of the year and many of them are hundreds of years old.

The gastronomy is a chapter apart. The strong African influence is present in spices where palm oil gives a special flavour to moquecas (fish stew), vatapá and other regional delicacies.

In general, what impresses tourists the most is the atmosphere of the celebrations and permanent relaxation that floods the streets of the capital of Bahia.

Services - Bahia has excellent tourist infrastructure, from

NORTHEAST charming guesthouses to five star hotels and resorts. In the state capital there are tourism agencies that offer traditional city tours to destinations near Salvador.

HOW TO ENJOY THE BEST OF BAHIA SALVADOR - When visiting the capital of Bahia, do not forget to walk along the slopes of Pelourinho with its friendly craft shops, cultural centres and restaurants, which are in the upper part of the City.

Stroll through the historic centre of Salvador with 2,800 listed houses, of which 1,100 have already been renovated.

Include a tour to some of the churches, as there are more than 300. In Pelourinho, you will find four; look out for San Francisco, which is adorned by altars and walls carved with 730kg of gold and stones. Visit the Modelo Market with its stalls and regional products as there is a fantastic variety of regional products.

The Barra Lighthouse area has been redeveloped and now has a promenade where there is the most beautiful view of Salvador to enjoy at sunset.

Lacerda’s elevator

Pelourinho

Fort of São Marcelo

COCOA COAST - The Cocoa Coast is made up of 180km of coastline that connects the cities of Itacaré and Canavieiras. They form a true stronghold of natural beauty with rivers bordered by cocoa farms, deserted beaches, vast coconut palms and dense mangroves.

In the middle of the Atlantic forest, the region captivates through its landscapes and the opulence of the golden years of the “black gold”, as the cocoa was called. Canavieiras, Ilhéus, Itabuna, Itacaré, Santa Luzia, Una and Uruçuca offer varied options for visitors. The abundance of beaches includes everything, from surfing to fishing.

MORRO DE SÃO PAULO - By car, bus or catamaran you arrive at this paradisiacal place located no more than 60km from Salvador. It is part of an archipelago of 26 islands and only three of them are inhabited. It is a district of the city of Cairú, an island belonging to the archipelago of Tinharé. It offers paradisiacal beaches of clear water and white sand, besides coconut groves and Atlantic forest that make up the perfect scenery for visitors to this paradise.

Porto Seguro, the birthplace of Brazil In the South Coast of Bahia one of the highlights is the city of Porto Seguro, which together with the districts of Arraial D’Ajuda

and Trancoso, stand out for coastal beauty and for being considered as foundations of the Discovery of Brazil. With more than 140,000 inhabitants, Porto Seguro is the gateway to the Northeast of Brazil. Listed by IPHAN (Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage) is also recognized by UNESCO as a Natural Patrimony of Humanity.

The Historic Centre is a must-see option.

It is possible, through the contemplation of the remnant houses, to return to the period of discovery by walking among the centenary churches and cultural centres.

The houses of the Historical City were the first housing nucleus in Brazil. Be sure to visit the surrounding indigenous communities that welcome groups of tourists. There you can see rich craftsmanship and their culture. A stroll through the surroundings leads to Arraial D’Ajuda, a district that stands out for the uncluttered climate and charm of its seaside guesthouses that also boast rich gastronomy. This itinerary extends to Trancoso and access is made by ferry. It is the destination of many Europeans in search of natural beauty, tranquillity amidst cozy guesthouses and rich gastronomy.

READ MORE Capital: Salvador Website: www.setur.ba.gov.br

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NORTHEAST

Coastline of Beira Mar Avenue, in Fortaleza, has several attractions during the day and night

The state of Ceará, located in the north-eastern region of Brazil, is the perfect place for those seeking sun, beach and beautiful scenery. The destination is known for harbouring some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, such as Jericoacoara, Canoa Quebrada and Cumbuco. And this coastal environment can already be felt in the capital Fortaleza, which boasts 13 beaches, primarily the Futuro Beach, which is one of the busiest in the region. Stretching for approximately 8km, the beach has several bars and restaurants and is busy especially on Thursday nights as it is the traditional day of the crab. Another highlight is Iracema Beach, where the famous Beira-Mar Avenue is located. It has several kiosks and stalls for those in need of a cold drink and seafood.

The sunset from Ingleses Bridge is a must-see if you visit the region, as well as the Dragão do Mar, a cultural complex that houses museums, a library and venues for the diffusion of activities such as theatre and cinema.

Opened in 1999, it is also famous for its modern architecture. If you are looking to experience nightlife, there are innumerable options of concert halls, covering several musical genres. In most of them the music alternates between forró, xote and xaxado.

But the state is not only leisure tou-

CEARÁ

Boardwalking in Beira Mar Avenue

rism, that capital of Ceará is known for.

Fortaleza has the highest GDP among the country’s north-eastern state capitals, which makes it a great attraction for the MICE market. The city also has one of the most modern convention centres in Latin America, the Centre of Events of Ceará, which was inaugurated in 2012. The venue occupies a total area of 206,000m2, of which 185,000m2 is built on.

In addition to its infrastructure, the

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city also has another asset to attract more and more tourists: connectivity.

From May 2018, the city will receive direct flights from Paris and Amsterdam, with Air France and KLM. In addition, it will have its regional hub reinforced by the Brazilian Airline, Gol. The new routes join other international flights already available to the city such as Lisbon (TAP), Miami (Latam), Bogota (Avianca), Frankfurt (Condor) and Buenos Aires (Gol).

NORTHEAST BEYOND THE CAPITAL If, in Fortaleza, it is possible to merge beaches, nightlife and business, it is in another of the state’s famous cities that tourists, interested in beautiful landscapes, stay. The closest to them is the beach of Cumbuco, located in the city of Caucaia, about 30km from Fortaleza. Considered as one of the first stops for those heading towards the West Coast of Ceará, Cumbuco remains a small village, but visitors can find services of various categories and prices, among restaurants, hotels and guesthouses. Among the main attractions is the Banana Lagoon, where you can enjoy various water sports, such as kayaking, motor boating and banana boating, as well as the famous “esquibunda” (sandboard).

On the east side we have Aquiraz, which houses the Beach Park, conside-

red as one of the five best water parks in the world, according to TripAdvisor.

On the East Coast, it is still possible to find the cliff route, where you can find almost 200km of beaches.

The highlight is the Aracati, where the famous beach of Canoa Quebrada is located, is the busy night on Broadway Street, which has several bars and restaurants. Whoever visits Canoa Quebrada can take a buggy and visit several local landscapes. The last stop is Icapuí, the land of the lobster, which is formed by three main beaches: Ponta Grossa, Redonda and Peroba. They have exotically formed cliffs and are stained in colours ranging from red to orange.

JERICOACOARA: THE STATES PARADISE At the end of the West Coast, tourists find one of the most paradisiacal

places in Brazil. The city of Jijoca de Jericoacoara is an inspiring setting, with paradisiacal beaches, crystal clear waters and white dunes. The destination brings together scenarios that seem never to have been touched by human beings. Located 300km from Fortaleza, Jericoacoara impresses immediately because of its beauty and simplicity.

The beach has about 130 lodging facilities, ranging from simple guesthouses to five-star hotels, as well as pharmacies, supermarkets and other commercial activities that cater for most tourists’ needs. Among the main attractions are Pedra Furada, one of the best known Jericoacoara postcards, which is located in the rocky region of Jericoacoara, the Dune of the Sunset and the Blue and Paradise Lagoons that are famous for their crystal clear waters and their hammocks, that allow tourists to relax just above the water.

This destination, that is already very popular is set to receive more tourists from now on. To visit Jericoacoara, was, until recently, only accessible by car from Fortaleza. It can now be made by plane, due to the inauguration of the local airport in June.

READ MORE Capital: Fortaleza Website: www.setur.ce.gov.br

Jericoacoara Pedra Furada, main postcard of

Iracema Beach, in Fortaleza

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NORTHEAST

Jansen Lagoon, one of the destination’s highlights

MARANHÃO The state is one of the few that can boast having 640km of long tropical beaches and large quantities of rivers and vegetation with mangroves and forests. Considered as the reggae capital, it’s also known by the fast pace of the creole drum (tambor de crioula) and the boi bumba parties. One curiosity is that although most of its territory is in the northern region of Brazil, it is considered a northeastern state because of the location of its capital.

SÃO LUÍS The state capital is considered as an open-air museum, as it has 4,000 houses listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO. Most are covered with Portuguese tiles and are part of one of the most important architectural complexes in Latin America. The houses are gathered in the Praia Grande and Desterro, neighbourhoods that also offer entertainment with cultural centres, bars, restaurants, fairs and craft shops. In addition to the cultural and historical point of view, the island offers visitors options for enjoying its nature. Ponta d’Areia is one of the most popular beaches of the city, located 4km from the centre. For tourists looking for water sports like diving, the most suitable beaches are Olho d’Água,

Araçagi and Calhau. The São Luís cuisine is also very rich, with indigenous, African and Portuguese influences. The music is also a strong point of the destination with the reggae clubs open at night.

ALCÂNTARA With an important architectural complex, the historic centre of the destination shows the city’s colonial style of its houses, church, museum and the Matriz Square, which preserves rich cultural events. Alcantara was also the first Amazon historic city to be named a National Heritage by National Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN). To reach the small town, 66km from São Luís, it is recommended to cross the Bay of St. Mark by speedboat or catamaran. Surrounded by beaches and islands, from there you can also take boat trips to the creeks and get to the island of Livramento, 15 minutes from the Port of Jacaré (Alligator).

LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES A desert landscape full of lakes can be found in the National Park and is responsible for the undeniable beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses. The biggest attraction is in an area of 155,000 hectares on the south coast of the state, which comprises the cities of Humberto de Campos, Primeira Cruz, Santo

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Amaro and Barreirinhas. The best time to visit the region is between May and August, when the rainy season has finished and the ponds are full and suitable for swimming in.

The dunes of this natural paradise reach up to 20 meters in height and regularly change shape and size due to the direction of the wind and the flow of the Parnaíba and Preguiça rivers. To reach the most visited beaches from Moitas, Vassouras, Ponta do Mangue and Barra do Tatu, you must go by jeep or boat. Tourists can also visit the Preguiça Lighthouse and Mandacaru fishing village in Barreirinhas, one of the historical attractions of the region.

SÃO JOSÉ DE RIBAMAR The destination has an abundance of possibilities for tourists who wish to practice sports such as surfing and kite surfing. The most popular beaches are Meio, Araçagy and São Marcos. In São José do Ribamar, which is about 32 km from the capital of Maranhão, one of the highlights is the Religious Tourism segment. In September, the homage to the patron saint St. Joseph starts.

The city receives thousands of devotees to the celebration with ten days of pilgrimages, masses and processions. Those who visit the destination during this period should include in their itinerary a visit to the Matriz church, the Caminho de São José (Way of St. Joseph) and Concha Acustica (Acoustic Shell), a monument in a biblical format, which receives major religious celebrations.

This, in addition to the Museum of Ex-Votos, which keeps objects and offerings from lay brothers, and also the Monument to the Saint, Lourdes Grotto and the Poço da Saúde (Health Well), a source believed to contain healing properties.

READ MORE State capital: São Luís Website: turismo-ma.com.br

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NORTHEAST

beaches, spread across eight cities and ranging between deserted and urbanized.

All are bathed in a blue-green sea, with estuaries, inlets, sandbanks, cliffs, and plateaus and are dotted with coconut and cashew trees, among other native species.

Clarival do Prado Valladares.

The capital of Paraíba has a seafront that offers beautiful landscapes, with beaches that fascinate with their combination of warm waters, white sand and extensive coconut trees. The paradisiacal scenery associated with the peaceful climate makes the city one of the quietest in the Northeast, a characteristic that contributes to the trait of the local people: hospitality.

The countryside of the state is home to a rich cultural and historical heritage. There are at least two internationally known archaeological sites: the Itacoatiaras of Ingá, in Agreste, and the Valley of the Dinosaurs, in Alto Sertão, and they are regular objects of studies by worldrenowned palaeontologists. There are also innumerable possibilities for tourist in regions that surprise with their enigmatic sceneries, which often dazzle.

SOUTH COAST There are so many beautiful sights along the South Coast of Paraíba that it is difficult to highlight any. However, the seduction of the famous Tambaba Beach attracts visitors from all over the world because it is the only official naturist beach in the Brazilian Northeast.

Tambaba displays sweeping beauty, protected by reddish-coloured cliffs that lend a sense of monumentality to the landscape. The entire coastline of the region is breath-taking, with the beaches of Barra de Graú, Coqueirinho, Carapibus, Tabatinga, Pitimbu, Jacumã, Barra de Gramame and Amor standing out. Coqueirinho is a case apart: in its cove, there are weak waves, ideal for calming swim, and others with stronger waves, suitable for surfing. Access to the South Coast is via PB-008 or BR-230 roads, and it is worth mentioning that the beaches are a few kilometres from the centre of João Pessoa. It will take you less than 30 minutes to get to Tambaba from the state capital.

EXUBERANCE FROM NORTH TO SOUTH The exuberant coast of Paraíba, from the border with Rio Grande do Norte to the border with Pernambuco, is approximately 130km long. There are more than 60

NORTH COAST Equally fascinating is the Northern coast of Paraíba, from Intermares Beach to Barra de Camaratuba, on the border with Rio Grande do Norte. Throughout this extensive area, not only are there primitive underdeveloped

Açude Velho, in the city of Campina Grande

With a wealth of culture, rich historical heritage and paradisiacal landscapes, the state of Paraíba surprises its visitors by offering a large number of unique features.

One of them is the most easterly point in the Americas, Ponta do Seixas, near the famous Cape Branco Lighthouse, which at 40m high, offers the most beautiful view of the waterfront and the Atlantic Ocean in the whole region.

But the best attraction is the state capital, João Pessoa, considered as one of the most arboreal cities on the planet. Having been distinguished by the Portuguese crown on the date of its foundation, in 1585, it holds the title of third oldest city in Brazil.

Colonized between the river and the sea, João Pessoa has built a historical patrimony of rare architectural beauty, preserving it over time as a valuable treasure of Brazilian baroque art. Suffice it to say that the complex formed by the Convent of Saint Anthony and the Church of San Francisco, one of the most beautiful and important baroque monuments in the country, figures in the book “Monumental and Historic Northeast”, by the historian and art critic,

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Foto: Cacio Murilo/MTur

PARAÍBA

NORTHEAST beaches, many are fully urbanized, with buildings of remarkable historical character.

This is the case of Fortaleza de Santa Catarina, in the port city of Cabedelo, recognized as being amongst the most important military monuments in Brazil. The ruins of ancient forts like the Traição Bay, where cannons point to the sea intimate a return in time to the colonial period of foreign invasions. Also, in Tradição Bay you will find an indigenous reserve, the tribe of the potiguaras, which is a must visit. In the city of Lucena, the Church of Guia, a 16th century construction, impresses with the simplicity of its baroque architecture and the fact that it has been used as an observation post to spot attackers. Another attraction is the centre of the Transamazon Highway, in Cabedelo. In this city, the river beach of Jacaré has gained international fame due

to the sunset that takes place to the sounds of Ravel’s Bolero. In the midst of the urban beaches of Poço and Camboinha, Areia Vermelha (Red Sand) is found, a submerged sandy bank that emerges at low tide much to the delight of picnickers and partygoers.

MYSTERY, PARTY AND HISTORY Another surprise in Paraíba is the mystery that surrounds two archaeological sites, famous in several countries around the world: the Itacoatiaras do Ingá and the Valley of the Dinosaurs. The first is located in the city of Ingá, in the region of Agreste, and is an attraction boasting a grandiose group of rocks with a thousand inscriptions still unrecognised today and they have even been credited to extra-terrestrials.

The second is in Sousa city, about 400km Foto: Cacio Murilo/MTur

from João Pessoa, and is set in the most extensive sequence of fossilized footprints of prehistoric animals that are known on the planet. The countryside of Paraíba also attracts tourists who love festive events.

Known throughout Brazil and abroad, the biggest São João festival in the World takes place in Campina Grande, one of the largest cities in the Northeast and is legendary for having competed with Liverpool (England) during the golden era of cotton but nowadays it has been transformed into a computer science hub of that has already been the subject of a special report in the American magazine, Newsweek. São João de Campina Grande lasts 30 days and rivals the Caruaru festivities in Pernambuco. Other events of this kind occur in countless cities in all regions of the state.

Tourists who visit are always surprised by the unusual and captivated by its natural beauties that exude from the coast to the countryside, Paraíba is currently one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the Northeast.

And it is good to note that the state still figures as one of the most renowned cultural centres in the country, thanks to the history that João Pessoa preserves amongst its colonial monuments, and the activities in places such as the José Lins do Rego Cultural Centre and the cinema, literature, theatre, music and other artistic expressions in the country.

Paraíba is also a home of art and culture in Brazil.

Foto: Cacio Murilo/MTur

Foto: Cacio Murilo/MTur

Tubatinga beach Three tambourines museum in Campina Grande

Handmade fair in the city of Campina Grande

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NORTHEAST

The expression “heart of the northeast” used by the state of Pernambuco in one of its recent marketing campaigns may at first sound pretentious, but if you analyse a little of the state’s tourism and social development in recent years, you will see meaning behind this phrase.

The state, which has tourism as one of its main economic activities, invested in promotion and flights to become the gateway for international tourists in the northeast, in addition to having great appeal from tourists from other states in the region. One of the pillars of this is the hub of the Airline Azul, which now has direct connections to the whole of Brazil.

In addition, there are direct flights to Portugal (TAP), the United States (American Airlines), Argentina (Gol and Latam), Italy (Meridiana), Germany (Condor), and more recently Spain, with Air Europa.

But one of Pernambuco’s strengths is the 187km long coastline where you will find inviting settings of paradisiacal beaches

that promote the magnitude and historical importance of its cultural traditions, such as the festivities of Carnival and São João (June Festival).

The beauties and traditions begin with the state capital Recife, one of the oldest cities in Brazil and known for its artistic and cultural heritage. The city is divided by three large rivers (Capibaribe, Beberibe and Tejipió) and due to these, the city has many bridges and without which, it would be impossible to get around. This characteristic of the capital of Pernambuco provides beautiful boat trips along the rivers, generally held in the late afternoon and evening.

Boa Viagem Beach is a spectacle both for visitors and for those who can see it from above, due to the barrier of natural reefs that protect it, which are also the origin of the city’s name. The waterfront is also considered as a worthy attraction and has a park, garden and venues for sports. In the historical part, Recife has some of the oldest churches in the country,

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Foto: MTur

Old Recife, in the central region, attracts many visitors Diving in the natural pools of Porto de Galinhas

MTur

PERNAMBUCO

all in an excellent state of conservation, with their original preserved ships and great historical heritage. The city has good hotel infrastructure and great gastronomic options, with the presence of the main restaurant chains in the country.

Foto: MTur

NORTHEAST

PORTO DE GALINHAS Those who are even more interested in sun, beach and spectacular scenery find what they are looking for just 43km from the state capital, in the city of Ipojuca, where one of the most sought after beaches by national and international tourists is located: Porto de Galinhas. The beach has been chosen many times as the best beach in Brazil by tourism magazines. It allures at first sight with its natural pools that give tourists the possibility of swimming among dozens of shoals and relaxing by in the warm waters when the immense coral formation is visible. The pools formed are very close to the sand strip and can be reached by swimming or on beautiful raft rides, where the entire coastline can be observed from. It is perfect for diving and ideal for children as the sea is always calm. Those who visit Porto de Galinhas can enjoy buggy tours as well, which allow you to visit the beautiful beaches nearby.

Among them is Maracaípe, considered as a surfers’ paradise. In addition to the natural beauties, Porto de Galinhas has excellent hotel infrastructure, which includes large

Morro Dois Irmãos, the most famous postcard at Fernando de Noronha

resorts, hotels and guesthouses, as well as several restaurant, bars and nightclubs.

Foto: MTur

FERNANDO DE NORONHA Fernando de Noronha is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The statement, which may seem exaggerated, is confirmed by anyone who has visited the archipelago, located 545km from Recife. Formed from volcanic rocks, it is a Natural Heritage of Humanity. Only the main island is inhabited, which is home to the administrative centre.

Before being an important centre for environmental preservation and research, today’s coveted destination was a prison. Part of the structure built to retain detainees can still be visited.

Later, the archipelago became a military base during World War II. The facilities erected during the period currently serve as a tourist centre.

Fernando de Noronha is considered as one of the main tourist attractions in the state and the natives who work in the local tourism agencies go through constant training. However, visits have limited numbers, so it is important to schedule your trip in advance. The island is a good option for diving as the sea offers visibility of up to 30 meters. Those who cannot or do not want to dive can visualize the underwater life through the Navi - Natureza Viva Project, which consists of a vessel with a large lens at the bottom that allows observation of the marine environment. For the surfers among us, Fernando de Noronha is one of the best destinations in South America. The tubular waves have given it the nickname of the Brazilian Hawaii.

Through the oceanic forest you can trek to the beautiful viewing platforms.

In the evening, the forró music, the local beat, brings together tourists and natives.

Boa Viagem Beach, postcard of Recife

READ MORE Capital: Recife Website: www.recife.pe.gov.br

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NORTHEAST

RIO GRANDE DO NORTE With more than 400km of coastline, it is natural that the most popular destinations in Rio Grande do Norte are the beaches. Other than beaches, notable attractions of the state are its natural pools that are formed during low tide. Set among the coral reefs, the pools form in holes where seawater accumulates, then, heated by the sun, make lovely warm water swimming pools.

Buggy rides will always be high on tourists’ list but there is much more to be explored. The state also has the richness of mangroves, preserved areas of Atlantic Forest and an environment

conducive to diving.

Those looking to see the beautiful beaches of the destination will not be disappointed with the variety on offer.

On the North Coast is the Maracajaú Beach, which is surrounded by dunes, coconut trees and lagoons. The main attraction of this beach is the coral reef with crystalline waters that are rich in coral fish, making it suitable for snorkelling.

Towards the South, there is Tibau do Sul, where tourists are enchanted by ecological diversity, almost deserted beaches frequented by dolphins and turtles, as well as a landscape composed

Buggy rides are among the must-do activities in the destination

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of dunes, cliffs and natural pools. At its limit is the famous Pipa Beach.

Pipa, in the 1980’s, was just a hard-toreach village of hippies and fishermen, and today it is one of the most trendy and cosmopolitan beaches in Brazil. The beach is one of the five most visited destinations in the state and certainly one of the most famous beaches in the Brazilian Northeast. With rising fame, the destination gained importance and now boasts a hectic nightlife but, at the same time, without losing any of its charm and natural beauty.

The area combines paradisiacal scenery, such as the Chapadão, a cluster of cliffs that form an immense sea wall; and warm water beaches where dolphins swim with tourists, in Dolphin Bay. In Pipa, you will find people from all over the world, after all, it is the most international beach in Rio Grande do Norte. Cliffs, calm waters, an Ecological Sanctuary, the richness of the preserved Atlantic Forest, the charm of the beaches are other attractions that make Pipa an almost obligatory passage. Not mentioning the gastronomic variety and its cultural diversity.

Another beach quite famous and visited by tourists is São Miguel do Gostoso. The city is 120km from Natal.

One interesting detail draws attention to the beaches of this small locality: the sun sets in the sea, instead on land, as happens in the rest of Brazil. This phenomenon is made possible by the geographical positioning of the city, right on the corner of the continent.

The strong winds are considered excellent for windsurfing, and it is already a worldwide reference for the sport.

This movement of tourists and international sportsmen come to the city guesthouses and restaurants for a good night out.

BEYOND THE BEACHES The tourism in the interior of the state stands out mainly for the Carnival celebrations,

Foto: João Vital

Foto: Canindé Soares

NORTHEAST

Local handicrafts

The landscape of São Miguel do Gostoso promotes quad biking

The famous Careca Hill, on Ponta Negra Beach, is found on most of postcards of Natal

São João (June Festival) and other religious dates. However, the demand for gastronomic and literary festivals has grown considerably. For those who like cold weather, the temperatures of the mountainous regions of Monte das Gameleiras, Martins and Serra de São Bento reach 15 degrees and are an invitation to enjoy a conversation around a campfire.

About 99km from the state capital, in Sítio Novo, you will find the Castle of Zé dos Montes and it was built in 1984

by Zé do Montes. He says he received the divine mission of building the castle among the stones of the Serra da Tapuia.

When approaching, the castle suddenly appears out of nowhere. It is full of labyrinths and belvederes and inside, all

READ MORE Capital: Natal Website: www.rnbrasil.tur.br

Close to Natal, Pipa draws attention to its almost untouched beaches

the paths converge towards the centre of the castle, where there is a chapel in honour of Our Lady.

THE STATE CAPITAL The state capital Natal is a city full of natural and cultural attractions for tourists.

Among the highlights are the Historic Centre, where you will find old churches and 19th century buildings in neoclassical design.

Vist the Dunes Park (Parque das Dunas), the second largest park in the urban area of the country spread out over more than 1,000 hectares of dunes and Atlantic forest. Another must do is the Coastal Way. It is a 10km coastal path that connects the beach of Ponta

Negra to the beaches of the city centre.

The Ponta Negra Beach is the busiest in the capital and stands out for the look of Morro do Careca, a giant dune flanked by Atlantic forest, one of the main picture postcards of the state.

The Reis Magos Fort is worth a visit as well, as it was the first building constructed in the capital in 1599. Here, you can see the open sea, the Newton Navarro Bridge over the Potengi river and the mangrove swamp that is the home to many crabs. Finally, don’t miss the Craft Centre, a historic building that housed a former prison in the last century and today brings together the best of the Potiguar handicrafts.

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SOUTHEAST

RIO DE JANEIRO

The Marvellous City unites sun and beach, culture and sport

“Marvellous City, full of charm.

Marvellous City, heart of my Brazil”. The song, created in the 1960s by André Filho, and, until today, played during carnival in Rio, shows why the city causes envy in other places. Despite all its problems, Rio de Janeiro is the Marvellous City of the immense Brazil, the great and official gateway for foreign tourists.

Modern and revitalized, the capital of Rio de Janeiro has undergone a major transformation since 2007, when it held

the Pan American Games. Since then, the city has hosted, World Youth Day, the Confederations Cup, the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games and together, they dictated and changed the pace of the city.

Considered as a worldwide megalopolis, today Rio de Janeiro boasts 58,000 hotel rooms and a tourist infrastructure capable of looking after all its visitors.

It wasn’t only the venues that were created or modernized for the megaevents. A new public transportation system,

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hundreds of new hotels, a renovated airport, attractions such as the Museum of Tomorrow, Boulevard Olímpico and AquaRio, the largest aquarium in South America, and the development of Rio’s society, who really learnt how to look after tourists, are part of this legacy.

Among the new products, attractions and hotels, Rio de Janeiro has also gained a new tourist destination: Barra da Tijuca, about 35km from the city centre. Until the 1990s, people looking to live so far from

SOUTHEAST Foto: Alexandre Macieira - Riotur

The cable cars form

in the city centre part of the landscape

Aerial view of Aterro do Flamengo and Marina da Glória

the city centre were considered crazy but everything has changed now. The Olympics main district gained no less than 10,500 new rooms in just two years. And the public transportation infrastructure, with a new metro line to the neighbourhood, has followed the rapid development of the region. At its side, is Recreio dos Bandeirantes and together they form a beautiful 17km long waterfront that has already been taken over by big hotels.

The neighbourhood grew and was ready to host the Rio 2016 Olympics but today it is in the tourists’ spotlight. To get a sense of Barra da Tijuca’s infrastructure, the neighbourhood has more movie theatres than the rest of Rio de Janeiro put together.

That’s right, you will also find the largest mall in Brazil (in terms of quantity of stores) in the famous Barra Shopping. It is also here that you find the Bosque da Barra, an unforgettable tour to be close to nature, the most beautiful beaches of the city: Prainha and Grumari, although further away from the hustle and bustle Barra.

It is in Barra da Tijuca where the largest convention centre in Latin America is found, Riocentro. It is also here where “Rock in Rio” takes place. There is also the City of the Music and as well the Jeunesse Arena, home to great national and international shows.

Large companies have their headquarters here also. From Monday to Friday, Barra da Tijuca is considered’ the largest business centre outside the centre of Rio. Many say that, in 20 years, Barra da Tijuca will be more imposing than the city centre itself, bringing together residential condominiums and hundreds of business centres. Discover Barra, stay in Barra and be enthralled.

PETRÓPOLIS The cultural and natural diversity of Rio de Janeiro is enormous. About 70km from the capital, Petropolis is one of the great destinations of the rich mountainous region. Known as the Imperial City, it is considered as the second projected city in Brazil (after Recife, designed during the time of the Dutch invasion), being composed of an urban nucleus - the centre, where the Imperial Palace, public buildings, commerce and services are.

At the time, members of the Portuguese court were enchanted by the region.

From then on, during the summer, the city became the capital of the Empire of Brazil. Today, it is known for its beautiful architecture, tranquillity and, of course, a milder climate compared to the heat of Rio de Janeiro. Among the main attractions are the Imperial Museum, Quitandinha Palace and Santos Dumont House.

The Imperial Museum functions in the former Imperial Palace of Petrópolis, the

Christ the Redeemer with open arms to welcome tourists from all over the world

summer residence of D. Pedro II and one of his favourite places. It is here that the public can find out a bit about the history of the Brazilian Empire and about the imperial family. The Santos Dumont House was built in 1918 and is the only house the aviator made for himself during his lifetime: a small alpine-style chalet in the Morro do Encanto, in the Historic Centre of Petrópolis. Known as “Encantada” (Enchanted), the house is now the second most visited museum in the city.

Finally, the Quitandinha Palace, which was built in 1944 with the purpose of being the largest casino in South America. The Norman-French style covers 50,000m2 across 6 floors, divided into 440 apartments and 13 large halls up to 10m in height.

READ MORE Capital: Rio de Janeiro Website: www.visit.rio

SOUTHEAST

Museum of Ipiranga, is the oldest museum in the city of São Paulo

SÃO PAULO

With a population of approximately 45 million, a number that represents 21.7% of the population of Brazil, it is not surprising that the state of São Paulo may seem intimidating and far from appeasing to visitors. But with just a little bit of curiosity and research, the options are evident and after, you will only need a notebook and a pen to draw up your itinerary.

The capital of São Paulo is a world by itself and every month welcomes people from all over the world offering them hundreds of hotels, restaurants, bars and night clubs, among other places that transform São Paulo’s nightlife into true experiences, not to mention the various historical sites, museums and parks that form the culture and nature of the so called “concrete jungle”.

Last December, for example, São Paulo hosted the Comic Con Experience (CCXP), which brought together thousands of ‘geek culture’ fans together at the São Paulo Expo.

Fans at the expo were able to see iconic figures, such as authors and illustrators of comics, actors and actresses of famous series and movies, among others.

Paulista Avenue

The event, however, is only one of the examples of the diverse and comprehensive culture of the city, which stages important conferences and meetings for any segment.

There are also numerous historical places and museums, like the Pinacoteca, next to the monumental and symbolic Estação da Luz, and MASP, the famous building lying on the main avenue of the city, Paulista Avenue, bringing together different works

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READ MORE Capital: São Paulo Website: www.visitesaopaulo.com

SOUTHEAST of art and travelling exhibitions. Culture is far from sparse in São Paulo.

For anyone who wants to appreciate art, but is not to keen on being indoors, then why not take advantage of an openair exhibition? The Alley of Batman (Beco do Batman), in the village of Madalena, right next to the Pinheiros district, has graffiti painted on walls, covering the whole area, making it one of the most emblematic and iconic scenes of the capital. The area is the setting for several photographic essays, from wedding albums to modelling.

In addition, it is always good to visit the large parks and wooded areas to escape a bit of the city and to just enjoy the nature in the middle of the largest city in Latin America. This is exactly what Ibirapuera Park, not far from Paulista Avenue, and Vila Lobos Park provide. It is common

for residents of the capital to visit these places sporadically and have a picnic or enjoy themselves by exercising in the tranquil environment amongst the trees.

Ibirapuera also has a planetarium, right in the centre of the park, which allows visitors to observe constellations and get to know even more about the stars during the midday sun.

You cannot enjoy the best of the capital without filling your stomach. So, do not miss the rich and diverse gastronomy of the city, that ranges from food trucks and street snack bars, which offer all kinds of food, to the most diverse types of restaurants with cuisine from around the world: Mexico, Japan, Greece, China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia etc. You choose the destination and São Paulo will transport you to different countries of specialized cuisine.

If you are looking for adventure and na-

ture, it is worth checking out the small city of Brotas, located approximately 250km away from São Paulo. With a population of 23,000, the city is home to several B&Bs, which mix the best of natural life and the comfort of the best hotels. They have options for lovers of extreme sports like rafting, trekking and climbing, among others, and these sports can be practised in the dense Atlantic forest that covers a good part of the municipality.

Among the main attractions and activities that the small town offers, is spending the day at the Areia Canta farm. You will be able to see the waterfalls in Recanto das Cachoeiras, stroll through Parque das Saltos and enjoy a walk.

When passing through the state of São Paulo, it is worth checking what Brotas has for the most passionate of tourists.

The Ibirapuera Park is one of the largest leisure options to escape from the concrete jungle of the capital

Monument of the Flags represents the Constitutionalist Revolution of 1932

Sé Cathedral: Gothic style church in

the centre of the city

São Paulo skyline

Foto:MTur

SOUTHEAST

ILHABELA Foto:MTur

Bonete Beach: contact with nature and tranquility

Foto:MTur

Located on the coast of the State of São Paulo, Ilhabela recently came top in a national tourism ranking. This is in the Ministry of Tourism’s economic performance sector, which identifies the performance of the sector’s economy in cities included on the Brazilian Tourism Map. The destination is among the select category A cities.

The growth in the number of formal jobs in the accommodation sector, as well as in the number of hotels, besides the increase in domestic and international tourist flow, were a determining factor for the city to rise from category B, in 2015, to category A today.

There are 42 beaches spread over about 350,000m2. The island still has 10 waterfalls that cut through the vegetation formed by a great variety of trees and plants in the Ilhabela State Park. The sea of ​​t he region attracts tourists in search of water sports. For lovers of diving, Ilhabela is considered as a paradise. In the region there are many shipwrecks, which favour the marine landscape. Legend has it that shipwrecks occurred because the navigational instruments of the vessels showed false readings due to a magnetic field, causing the ships to deviate many miles from their routes and collide with under water rocks. Could Ilhabela be the Brazilian Bermuda Triangle?

Another aquatic activity famous in Ilhabela is water sports, as kitesurf,

Island of Cabras

Beach of Jabaquara

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Foto:MTur

Church of Our Lady of Ajuda

windsurf, stand up and olynesian canoe. If you prefer an easier option, then it is worth taking a kayak tour in the calm waters in the São Sebastião channel. Besides being one of the most beautiful coastlines, it provides great exercise for body and mind. Take a few paddles and you will see the state from another point of view, the seashore of Ilhabela.

For those who like more extreme sports, a good tip is a jeep ride along Castelhanos Beach. Do you like off-roading and loads of mud? Castelhanos is 22km long, rising more than 800m above sea and has great challenges for jeeps.

The trail of Castelhanos crosses several rivers and waterfalls and, at various times, those who are not accustomed to the sport think that the vehicle will get stuck in the mud on the road. Radical to the extreme! Another way to get to know Ilhabela is to do motocross or bike trails. Choose your vehicle and have some fun.

SOUTHEAST Belotur

Church of St. Francis of Assis

Church of St. Francis of Assis, in Belo Horizonte Belotur

MINAS GERAIS Crossing the Praรงa of Liberdade

READ MORE Capital: Belo Horizonte Website: www.turismo.mg.gov.br

Minas Gerais is the largest state in the south-eastern region of Brazil, covering more than 580,000km2. This a destination for those who seek good food, nature, mountains, architecture, art, culture, history and friendly people. Although there are no beaches, it offers so many other activity options that it is easy to choose to stay for a few more days to explore each corner.

It has been the stage of several important events in the history of Brazil, such as the Gold Cycle, the Inconfidence of Minas Gerais and the Coffee Cycle. Minas has the most important WTM-LONDON 2018 | MERCADO & EVENTOS | 43

SOUTHEAST architectonic and artistic collection from the Brazilian colonial period that has been preserved in cities of international fame such as Ouro Preto, Diamantina and Congonhas do Campo. They are rich in the profusion of Baroque masterpieces and are centennial cities that tell of the grandeur of Brazil’s history.

For those who want to connect with nature, a good tip is the city of Conceição de Ibitipoca. The state park is packed with waterfalls, trails and caves. If you are in good shape then take the 16km walk – out and back - to the Janela do Céu (Window of Heaven), a waterfall with a natural viewing platform more than 100 meters high with a unique view of the surroundings formed by trees and mountains.

At night, a stroll through the village with its craft shops is a relaxing option. Then make sure you have one of the best pizzas in the area, accompanied by a craft beer.

In the high season the city hosts festivals of forró, jazz and blues.

You cannot talk about Minas Gerais without thinking of its rich gastronomy.

From cheese bread, chicken with okra, feijão tropeiro (Brazilian Beans with Sausage and Collard Greens), chicken, ribs, crackling and diverse cheeses. Now we need to mention the deserts. There are so many that it would take a lifetime to taste each one: dulce de leche, banana, guava, fig, pé de moleque (peanuts with sugar), ambrosia ... The choices are mouth watering and finger licking good. And what better way to wash it all down? With a craft cachaça.

BELO HORIZONTE Born as the first planned metropolis of the republican period, the state capital, Belo Horizonte, is a city that has innovation as its main feature. The capital was conceived

INHOTIM Just over an hour and a half from Belo Horizonte, the city of Brumadinho is home to one of the largest contemporary art and

natural park complexes in the region. The largest open-air museum in the world, Instituto Inhotim has 1,300 works of art, of which 700 are exhibited in a space covering 140 hectares. The works, distributed across galleries indoors and out, stir the senses and invite tourists to reflect on the climate, nature, passion and more.

Unlike traditional museums, it is surrounded by walls and moved by artificial light, Inhotim allows visitors to spend hours walking from one side of the park to the other. Leaving a gallery full of concrete and information and facing the intense green of the grass and the landscape composed of trees, flowers and a lake of water sometimes blue sometimes green it is like clearing the eyes and the senses before interacting with the next piece of art.

Ouro Preto, Tiradentes and São João Del Rei form a historical and cultural circuit in Minas Gerais Foto:MTur

TIRADENTES Thanks to its rich historical heritage, the city of Tiradentes is often chosen to act as a set for historical movies and miniseries.

The city’s calendar is filled with events such as the traditional Street Carnival and Holy Week, the Film Festival, the Harley Davidson Gathering and the Gastronomic Festival.

One of the main tourist attractions in the city is the Matriz church of Santo Antônio.

The church, which began being built in 1710, was made in a baroque style and adorned with rococo. It still has a privileged view of the Serra de São José, which skirts the city. In this church it is also possible to see the sundial that makes up one of the most beautiful places of the city.

from the drawing board of national and foreign architects, artists and urban planners, and it is still constantly changing.

One of the main architectural works in the city is the Modern Assembly of Pampulha, which influenced an entire school of designers around the world, and whose buildings were designed by the architect Oscar Niemeyer early in his career. They are complemented by works from Cândido Portinari, Alfredo Ceschiatti , Augusto Zamoyski, Paulo Werneck and José Alves Pedrosa, as well as landscape treatment conceived by Roberto Burle Marx.

Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo

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Foto:SETUR-ES

SOUTHEAST

Aerial view of Guarapari, one of the most popular beaches in the destination

milder European-style mountain climate.

With rich gastronomy, the highlight is the famous Moqueca Capixaba, and the only way to eat it is with your hands, which means there is lots of finger licking. Fish based, the dish is a stew made with tomato, onion, olive oil, spices and annatto seeds, which is a red plant widely used by indigenous people for colouring fabric and it is also used for face and body painting. As side dishes go, you should taste pirão (flour with fish sauce)

Foto:SETUR

Divided into ten Tourist Regions, Espírito Santo state brings together leisure, business, events, gastronomy, culture, history and natural beauty. The distinctive combination of sea and mountains, the contrast between tradition and modernity, excitement and tranquillity, sports and cultural events, interweave a must-see and adventure-filled itinerary with plenty of discovery and a lot of fun. In less than 40 minutes it is possible to escape from the scorching heat of the beaches to a

Near the capital, Pedra Azul (Blue Stone) is an option for those looking for contact with nature

ESPÍRITO SANTO

and mashed banana, a combination that seems to have been blessed by the gods and your mouth will water just from the smell.

Du e to the strong presence of immigrants, some mountainous regions have suffered a strong European influence, where the German, Italian, Austrian, Pomeranian and Polish traditions are maintained until the present day. It is possible to see this heritage in culture, history, music, dance, gastronomy and traditional festivals. Due to the climate, the region, which is composed by eight cities (Afonso Cláudio, Brejetuba, Castelo, Conceição do Castelo, Domingos Martins,

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Foto:SECOM

SOUTHEAST

Laranja da Terra, Marechal Floriano, Vargem Alta and Venda Nova do Imigrante) is highly sought after during the winter by tourists who wish to feel like they are in another country.

VITÓRIA Comprised of six cities: Cariacica, Fundão, Guarapari, Serra, Viana, Vila Velha and Vitória, the Metropolitan Region has a wide variety of tourist attractions.

Cosmopolitan Vitória is the state capital and offers a range of possibilities for tourists. With busy nightlife, the city is famous for its bars and nightclubs. During the day, a good tip is to sit back and have a drink at one of the kiosks by the beaches that surround the city.

Beaches, gastronomy, religious tourism, folklore, historical heritage, theatres, museums, adventure tourism, ecotourism, parks, events, sport fishing, agro tourism, music and the richness of the local music all form part of the local tourism. There are also business and leisure options in the region.

Over a bridge from Vitória - the famous Deputy Darcy Castello de Mendonça Bridge, or Third Bridge, as it is called by the locals, stretches for 3,3 km (A PONTE TEM 3,3 Km SEGUNDO O WIKIPEDIA E NAO 12km COMO ESTAVA ESCRITO. FAVOR VERIFICAR) -, is Vila Velha, the oldest city in the state. For this reason, the city counts on diverse colonial constructions, like the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Fort of San Francisco Xavier de Piratininga, the Lighthouse of Santa Luzia and the Convent of Penha, the latter being one of the main tourist attractions in Espírito Santo, built between the 16th and 17th centuries and listed as Cultural Historical Heritage by the Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN) in 1943.

Once upon a time, it was an old fishing village, but is now home to the second largest industrial hub in the state. If you would like to explore the past, Barra do Jacu and Ponta da Fruta are places that still preserve the characteristics of a village and retain a lot of folklore and the way of life. For surfers, the obligatory stop is at Baleia Beach, due to its big waves and white, fluffy sandy beaches, the water is cold but is an intense tone of blue.

GUARAPARI The main tourist city in Espírito Santo, Guarapari is one of the most sought after destinations in the state. Not only for its natural beauties and beaches with

Anchieta Palace is the headquarters of the government of Espírito Santo

Diving is one of the activities that one can do in Guarapari

enchanting landscapes, but also for its monazite sands. Such sands are well known for their therapeutic effects, being popularly used to treat arthritis and inflammation. According to scholars, when applied to the skin, it produces a kind of radiation that stimulates tissues and improves blood circulation.

With beaches surrounded by bars and kiosks that attract tourists looking for a night out in the trendy bars close to Meaípe and Enseada Azul, to deserted sandy strips and wild vegetation for those looking for some quiet days away from civilization, on the beaches of Sebastião and Padres, Guarapari is a destination that meets the most diverse requirements.

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PEDRA AZUL STATE PARK If you are seeking nature, ecotourism and adventure, a good tip is to explore the Pedra Azul State Park. It offers various entertainment options, such as tree climbing, ziplining, biking, quad biking, horse riding and more. There are also several farms, where you will find agro and rural tourism, with its artisan beer tasting and local products such as cheeses, coffee, organic fruits and others.

READ MORE Capital: Vitória Website: www.setur.es.gov.br

MIDWEST

MATO GROSSO DO SUL MTur

Paraguay River

Foto:MTur

Mato Grosso do Sul is a privileged state as it has many features that show the world it is a region blessed by nature. Located in the central-west of Brazil, the state is fed by the Paranรก and Paraguay rivers system and its tributaries. Its dominant vegetation has characteristics from the Cerrado, and it covers roughly 65% of the largest floodplain in the world: the Pantanal.

There are approximately 140,000km2 of fauna and flora recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, as it is one of the most exuberant and diverse natural reserves on Earth.

With abundant vegetation among its 357,000 km2, the state is considered as a benchmark in ecotourism and has also earned the title of one of the ten best destinations in the world for sustainable tourism. Being one of the largest sediment plains in the world, the Pantanal impresses with its rare fauna and flora.

The history of the state is mixed with the arrival of the first settlers in search of gold and then culture, tradition and customs were built from its diverse influences, such as the indigenous people. This is reflected in the gastronomy, in the cultural displays, and

Diving in Prata River is one of the attractions in Bonito

MIDWEST in the handicrafts, where the indigenous expression is predominant. This natural and cultural mosaic, which the state houses in its seventy-nine cities, is open to all and can be enjoyed by tourists.

PANTANAL AND BONITO The Pantanal region is formed by the cities of Anastácio, Aquidauana, Miranda, Corumbá and Ladário. Today, it is one of the most popular Brazilian destinations for national and international tourism.

The largest floodplain on the planet has incredible biodiversity. It is a harmonious combination of water, fauna, flora and people. Strolling through the Pantanal is an adventure in itself, whether you go by boat, on horseback or on foot through the Pantanal countryside.

It is a paradise for wildlife observers and photographers, as it is home to about 230 species of fish, 650 birds, 80 mammals and 50 reptiles. The climatic variations allow for a diversity of different attractions throughout the year, depending on the season: wet or dry.

Bonito is one of the state’s cities that offers tourism allied to environmental responsibility. The tourist hub is thus considered, mainly, by its control of tourists and its care for nature. Its main attractions are the natural landscapes, the diving in its transparent rivers, waterfalls and caves.

Among the activities here, the Anhumas Abyss is one of the main and most popular tourist attractions. The

Foto:FundturMS

Horseback riding in the Pantanal region Foto:MTur

CAMPO GRANDE The state capital Campo Grande is located on a plateau region and, from here, it is possible to see the horizon in every direction. The city is also called Morena (Brunet), because of the reddish colour of its land, attracting visitors due to its beautiful landscape.

Among the interesting places to visit are the Indigenous Culture Memorial, a cultural centre located within the Marçal de Souza Urban Indigenous Village. You will also find exhibitions and crafts here.

In the Parque dos Poderes (Park of the Powers), headquarters of the state government, you will come across wild animals such as anteaters, birds and marmosets that hunt for food in the region. And the Morada dos Baís offers exhibitions and shows with live music by local artists in a pleasant atmosphere and with good gastronomy.

cave, from the entrance to the base, is 72m high and you can repel down and will arrive on a floating deck built on a mirror of crystal clear water. This clear lake is also 80m deep.

The Buraco das Araras (Macaws Hole) is another famous and unforgettable attraction. In the middle of the Cerrado, a huge crater totally made of sandstone is home to diverse birds, mainly the red macaws. The name Buraco das Araras arose because of the large number of macaws that inhabit the area and form real spectacles. In its interior, there is a great lake inhabited by alligators.

Campo Grande was one of the host cities of the FIFA World Cup in 2014

Campo Grande is called Morena (Brunet) City, because of the reddish colour of its soil

READ MORE Capital: Campo Grande Bonito Square

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Website: www.turismo.ms.gov.br

MIDWEST

Lake Paranoá promotes water sports

Foto:Paula Fróes

The Federal District is located in the Central-West of Brazil and is notable for its tropical climate, with two well-defined seasons: dry (May to September) and rainy (October to April). Low and twisting trees mixed into the undergrowth are predominant as this is in the middle of the “Cerrado” biome, which is famous for having the second largest biodiversity on the planet, surpassed only by the Amazon.

In addition, the region is among the most important in the country, since the rivers that are born in this biome feed 8 of the 12 largest Brazilian hydrographic regions. They receive their water and it is known as the “Cradle of Waters”, the Cerrado has springs, streams and rivers that are of fundamental importance to the country. Brasília was built in the middle of the Cerrado and was planned to help preserve the area, by keeping the bucolic features.

The city has peculiar characteristics that can attract tourists depending on their profile. Tours can focus on architecture, gastronomy, culture, religion, countryside, underground and rock, amongst others.

It has something for everyone.

Covering 40 hectares, Brasília has one of the largest urban parks in Latin America, the Parque da Cidade. The park is a meeting

Foto:MTur

DISTRITO FEDERAL

From the TV Tower, you have a panoramic view of the city

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point for locals and for anybody looking for leisure. In the Federal District, there is also a vast choice of Rural Tourism, including, waterfalls, zip lines and horse riding.

The city has also shown a strong vocation for business tourism and events, being named the third city in the country that hosts the largest events. Research shows that Cultural and Leisure Tourism also includes a significant portion of the visitation index of the Federal Capital.

The activities related to tourism in the Federal District contribute 2.5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In addition, the Federal Capital is the only modern site listed by UNESCO as Cultural a Patrimony of Humanity. There were two criteria that defined the city as patrimony: masterpiece of the human creative genius and architectural ensemble that illustrates a significant period of human history. It was the first representation of the Modern Movement in urbanism and architecture to be added to the UNESCO list.

POLITICS AND TOURISM Among the main attractions in the city is the Planalto Palace, which is the base of the Federal Executive Branch, where the Presidential Office of Brazil is located. It is situated in the Three Powers Square and was one of the first buildings built in the new capital. The Planalto Palace project, designed by the architect Oscar Niemeyer, impresses by the purity of its lines with predominance of horizontal strokes and its exquisite plastic effect.

The main façade is characterized by the ramp giving access to the noble hall, where huge events are held and also on special occasions such as visiting foreign dignitaries.

It is open to the public on Sundays from 9:30 to 14:00. The tour includes a visit to the Noble, West and East Halls, Supreme Meeting Room, Audience Hall, Presidential Office and a presentation of some art work.

The Alvorada Palace, also designed by Oscar Niemeyer, is one of the important buildings of Brazilian architectural modernism. The Palace has a horizontal configuration finished by a chapel that refers to the old farmhouses of Brazil. The distinctive shape of the outer columns resembles hammocks stretched out on balconies, such as those around the colonial mansions. The design of the columns gave rise to the symbol and emblem present in the coat of arms of the Federal District.

The Palace has a water mirror, which reflects the image of the building, creating an infinite virtual space,

Foto:Pedro Ventura

MIDWEST

The city is full of buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer

Brasília’s Cathedral

READ MORE Capital: Brasília Website: www.setur.df.gov.br

complemented by a bronze sculpture called The Iaras, a piece of work by the Brazilian artist and sculptor Alfredo Ceschiatti. It can also be visited by tourists and the tour visits the Entrance Hall, Chapel, State Hall, Library, Noble Hall, Music Room, Toys Hall and Gardens. In all areas, artwork from the Alvorada Palace are on display. Both visits must be booked online in advance.

The National Congress consists of the House of Representatives and the Federal Senate. The building is an architectural landmark of the Capital of the Republic and is open to visitors interested in learning more about the Brazilian Legislative Branch. The program of visits to the National Congress Palace take place every day, including holidays, from 8:30 to 17:30.

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NORTH Whether for its unique culture, its natural beauty or the reputation of being an exotic destination, the truth is that Amazonas is one of the darling states for foreigners. It has been receiving more and more international tourists who are looking for the most beautiful landscapes in Brazil, coupled with typical and extremely particular gastronomy and the most diverse of adventures.

This is a destination for all profiles, as long as they are seeking the essence of Brazil. From bird watching, sport fishing, ecotourism, adventure tourism, cruising, cultural tourism with its dances and traditional festivals, to the busy corporate market, where you can find something for every audience. It is in the Amazon that you will find the colour, the diversity and the plurality of the largest country in South America.

One of the most sought after experiences are the lodges that are located within the Amazon Rainforest.

From the more luxurious to the more rustic, you will have permanent contact with nature, an experience that includes not only breathing in the air that is a little purer here, but seeing wild animals up close and even feeding some of them, like the coatis, monkeys and macaws that love to feast from the hands of tourists.

The middle of the forest offers two possibilities. During the rainy season, the water level rises and areas become flooded, forming paths of igapĂłs (flooded forests) that can be traversed on small boats. During the dry period, visitors can walk along the various trails.

AMAZONAS

ut the local history

ural Centre tells a bit abo

Povos da AmazĂ´nia Cult

Meeting of the waters is one of the most popular phenomena for tourists

Meeting of the waters

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NORTH For those looking for a little more comfort, the city of Manaus receives more than 20 cruise ships per season, with itineraries for all tastes: gastronomic cruises, singles tours, shows with renowned artists, parties led by famous DJs and themed itineraries such as fitness.

Foto:MTur

If you visit during the month of June, the famous Parintins Festival takes place.

This is one of the biggest folkloric events in Amazonas. During the three nights of partying, a theatrical presentation shows the Red Garantido Ox and the Blue Capricious Ox show regional legends, indigenous rituals and the riverside customs to the sound of local beats.

MANAUS With 1.8 million inhabitants, Manaus, the state capital of Amazonas, is one of the most populous cities in the country and is still among the top 20 cities in Latin America for business. One of the host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the city has been completely renovated, with improvements to hotel infrastructure, urban and service provision. The city even offers a convention centre with capacity for up to 4,500 people.

The main attractions in the city revolve around historical and cultural heritage, such as the Amazonas Theatre, built in 1881 and inaugurated in 1896. Its 19thcentury art nouveau architecture comes into harmony with other structures built at the same time, when the capital prospered thanks to the Rubber Cycle.

Enjoy your stay in the city to savour the Amazonian cuisine. Based on fish and fruit, the gastronomy has curious names such as the jaraqui, tambaqui, pacu and matrinxã fish, besides internationally known delicacies such as açaí, cupuaçu and guaraná.

Be sure to sample one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, up to three meters long and weighing 250kg, the pirarucu. When accompanied by yellow flour and acai, it is a culinary delight.

BY BOAT The best way to visit the area is by boat, whether on a larger river cruise or on smaller boats, they both sail through the world’s largest drainage basin. Archipelagos with hundreds of islands - and beaches - cut through the landscape. You will be able to see alligators, pink dolphins, waders and small rodents.

The mandatory attraction is, without a doubt, the phenomenon called the Meeting of Waters, when the lighter brown waters of the Solimões River and the dark waters of the Negro River, run along side each other for many kilometers. This is Manaus’s greatest reference in Intangible Heritage.

Amazonas Theatre, one of the classic postcards of the capital

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READ MORE Capital: Manaus Website: www.amazonastur.am.gov.br

NORTH

PARÁ Foto:João Ramid

Rivers, beaches, mangroves, forests, flood plains, vast fauna and flora, gastronomy, history and culture make up a large part of the tourism of Pará. Each of the state’s tourist regions presents different characteristics, which when combined form a mosaic of ways to relate and experience these elements.

For ecotourism lovers, the local Amazon Rainforest is an excellent opportunity for observing birds and wild animals, for sport fishing, boat trips, canoeing along the tributaries and swimming in the Tapajós River.

Original, creative and authentic, the cuisine is a mixture of indigenous, African and European heritages that helped give an origin to the region. Tacacá, maniçoba, duck in tucupi and a variety of fruits, like açaí, bacuri and cupuaçu, are the highlights. They generate an exotic gastronomy, rich in colours, aromas and unique flavours.

BELÉM The state capital of Pará is Belém. It is a large urban centre where indigenous h e r i ta ge s u r v i ve s a m i d a r t i s a n a l production, whether for fishing or in cooking using cassava, accompanied by

fish and açaí.

The most popular tour for tourists is the Ver-o-Peso Market. It is here that the fiscal point for the control of goods that leave and enter the province emerged and it has now become the main fair of original products of the Brazilian Amazon.

For more than 300 years, every day vessels have been supplying the market with fish, typical fruits, medicinal herbs, spices, religious articles and handicrafts.

It is interesting to see how the traditional way of growing and trading food is still alive and doing well. In the stalls, ointments, perfumes, lotions and potions promise to make you lucky in love, by giving you fertility, money and even virility. If you have the opportunity, be sure to try the Brazil nut, which is produced in Pará. It is exported and marketed worldwide after being toasted and placed in packages. At the market it is possible to taste the nut before it goes through this process. The difference is striking, with a strong taste of coconut water.

To enjoy a little more exotic cuisine, go down to the dock station. The tourist complex has been completely refurbished and now houses several

Meeting of the Tapajós and Amazonas Rivers

Foto:Serge Guiraud

Ver the Peso Market, in Belém

Foto:João Ramid

NORTH MTUR

Paz Theatre, one of the symbols of Belém

MTUR

Alter do Chão is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world

READ MORE Capital: Belém Website: www.paraturismo.pa.gov.br

restaurants with traditional cuisine. In addition to the restaurants, bars and shops, there are the three sheds, which also have a stage, host cultural events, presentations and shows.

ALTER DO CHÃO Between August and November, the waters of the Tapajós River recede by almost ten meters, revealing one of the most beautiful beaches in Pará. With white sands and transparent fresh water, Alter do Chão is surrounded by a tropical forest, giving space to a fisherman’s village. Nature does not go unnoticed: the green lake, the flooded forest and the porpoises are examples of the exuberant beauty of these Amazonian elements. Located 30km from Santarém, you can reach the village by land, on a paved road or by boat, on a three-hour ride along the calm waters.

One of the most popular events in Alter do Chão, the Saire Festival, that mixes religious and sacrilegious elements. Some researchers believe the event is over 300 years old and it is held every September. The event begins with a search for poles decorated with

Estação das Docas (Docks Station) brings together gastronomy and nightlife

regional fruits by the villagers who hoist a flag up them.

To conclude, there is the Botos’s Festival, a theatrical clash between the folkloric associations Tucuxi and Cor de Rosa. In the performance, they play the legend of the freshwater dolphin that turns into a handsome man, which seduces and makes a woman pregnant.

The plot has an ecological ideology, as it emphasizes nature, especially the Green Lake, the stage for the spectacle. And when the dolphin is killed by order of the Tuxaua, father of Cunhantã-iborari, who became pregnant by the Amazonian dolphin, the fury of the evil spirits of the region fall on him. Therefore, at the request of Tuxaua himself, comes

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the Pajé (witchdoctor) to resuscitate the dolphin.

MARAJÓ ISLAND One of the largest coastal islands in the country, the Marajó Island is more than 40,000km2, the equivalent to the size of Switzerland. Bathed by the rivers Amazonas and Pará, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, this island is a true paradise. It is just 3 hours from Belém by ferry. One of the biggest curiosities of the island are the carts pulled by buffalo. The city is home to more than 700,000, the largest herd in Brazil. Take time to swim and play on the beaches, get to know the municipal market and sample the buffalo mozzarella that is produced locally.

SOUTH Foto:MTur

Botanical Garden

The state of Paraná can be considered as a complete destination with great tourism potential, either due to the cosmopolitan characteristics of its state capital Curitiba or due to the open air spectacle that is Iguazu Falls. There are so many possibilities, that the state has been divided into 14 regions to better offer its enormous variety of tourist attractions: unsurpassed natural beauties, large reserves of preserved Atlantic Forest, rivers, waterfalls, all the resources cultivated in its soil, a very rich historical and cultural heritage, besides the innumerable and different leisure alternatives and gastronomy.

Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction is the Iguaçu Falls, in Foz do Iguaçu. Located inside the National Park of Iguaçu, the waterfalls are part of the Iguaçu River, with falls of up to 80 meters in height. There are more than 100 falls, depending on the strength of the currents, but there are 19

PARANÁ

major ones. The tourist infrastructure is very good, with trails and walkways that allow for an impressive view of the falls: one from the Brazilian side, the other from Argentina.

The park today protects the rich biodiversity, which is made up of representative species of Brazilian fauna and flora, some of which are threatened with extinction, such as the jaguar, the puma and the broad-snouted caiman, among many others. Here, you will also find 2,000 species of plants and 400 birds, and many others of relevant value and scientific interest. This expressive biological variability, coupled with the unique landscapes of rare scenic beauty of the Iguaçu Falls, made the Iguaçu National Park the first Conservation Unit in Brazil to be established as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.

Neighbouring the Iguassu National Park is the Bird Park, an internationally recognized centre for bird conservation, located amidst the rich and lush Atlantic Forest. It is an unmissable tour in Foz do Iguaçu, where you will experience direct contact with more than 1,320 birds, covering about 143 different species.

ITAIPU BINACIONAL In Foz do Iguaçu, another famous attraction is the Itaipu Binacional Power Plant, which fascinates through its enormity and is a vanguard in social and environmental issues. The construction of Itaipu has changed the history of Brazil and Paraguay forever. The plant is the world’s largest energy producer, although the Three Gorges Dam, in China,

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SOUTH is larger in infrastructure terms, Itaipu is still breaking records. To get an idea, since its inauguration, all the energy that has been produced, would be enough to supply the whole world for 40 days, two hours and 45 minutes.

FROM THE STATE CAPITAL TO MORRETES BY TRAIN After visiting the state capital and taking a bus tour to the city’s main attractions such as the Municipal Market, museums, the Historical Sector, the Panoramic Tower, its woods and parks, it is time to embark on a train to the city of Morretes. The Curitiba - Serra do Mar - Morretes - Paranaguá railroad represents an extraordinary 19th

century engineering feat. Its construction was considered as impractical by many European engineers of the time. It is 110km on one of the most famous and beautiful train routes in Brazil, all set within within the ecological reserve of Serra do Mar. The railway has more than 125 years of history. Passengers have the chance to see the largest preserved area of Atlantic Forest in Brazil, an ecological treasure that is located between the first plateau of Paraná and the coastal plain.

The route passes through the following locations: Caiguava Dam, Roça Nova Tunnel, Ipiranga River Dam, Cadeado Sanctuary, the 55m high São João Bridge, the most outstanding place, and the

Carvalho Viaduct, with its abyss of more than 900m.

The city of Morretes lies in the middle of the Serra do Mar Reserve, between the state capital and the coast. Its bucolic routine, its pleasant climate, ecotourism options, gastronomic attractions and historic buildings are the main attractions.

The country environment favours tecotourism. The Marumbi State Park is one of them and offers trails, rivers and mountains, as well as being divided by the Taquaral River. It forms some natural pools of crystal clear water.

Another characteristic of Morretes are the waterfalls. The most famous are the Salto da Fortuna and the Santo dos Macacos.

Iguaçu National Park

Tiradentes Square

READ MORE Capital: Curitiba Website: www.turismo.pr.gov.br

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Foto: Caio Vilela/MTur

SOUTH

SANTA CATARINA Exactly 12 tourist regions make Santa Catarina a state of diversity. The number of possibilities in the whole destination is practically uncountable. All the work of Santur, the state’s tourism promotional body, is based on this rich set consisting of Alto Vale, Contestado Valley, European Valley, Grande Oeste, Caminho dos Príncipes, Caminhos da Fronteira, Encantos do Sul, Verde e Mar Coast, Caminho dos Canyons, Serra Catarinense, Grande Florianópolis and Vale das Águas.

READ MORE Capital: Florianópolis Website: www.turismo.sc.gov.br

Hercílio Luz Bridge is one of the main postcards of Florianópolis

Each part of the state has a different landscape, due to its geographical condition, which brings a very large contrast to those visiting. The diversity begins with the state capital Florianópolis, or “Floripa” as it affectionately known.

Located on the coast of Santa Catarina, Floripa receives the suggestive nickname “Ilha da Magia” (Magic Island). It houses paradisiacal beaches, lagoons, dunes, trails in the middle of the Atlantic Forest and historical heritage that you will find in perfect condition. Now, the main news is that the city has the highest quality of life among all the Brazilian state capitals, which also brings benefits to tourists who visit it.

The varied gastronomy, the 400km coastline, the mountains, its unique

landscapes, adventure tourism, rural tourism, thermal waters, wineries and horseback riding are the activities and beauties that Santa Catarina today provides to its tourists. Rich in flavours and influences, the gastronomy of Santa Catarina is a portrait of the colonization of the state.

The cuisine along the coast, where the Portuguese settled, is based on seafood. Going inland, into the nuclei of Germanic colonization present mainly in the Caminho dos Príncipes (Way of the Princes) and in the European Valley, fish gives way to heavily seasoned pork and it should be washed down with one of the typical German beers. There are also small Polish, Ukrainian, Austrian, Hungarian and Dutch gastronomic

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Foto: Daniel Vianna/MTur

SOUTH centres that, added to the local cuisine, make Santa Catarina a mouth-watering state.

But what is there to do in the capital apart from eating well, of course?

Although it has a coastline, with one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, Florianópolis also stands out for its cultural attractions. The Historical Centre of Florianópolis concentrates tourist points such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, which has a collection of sacred art available to visitors, Cruz and Souza Palace that houses the Historical Museum of Santa Catarina, and the Municipal Public Market, which offers handicrafts, utensils and typical food from the region of Santa Catarina.

S p e a k i n g o f t h e M e t ro p o l i t a n Cathedral, Greater Florianópolis is also much sought after by religious and rural tourism enthusiasts. There are centennial churches, religious caves and faith celebrations in almost every municipality in the region. Another point of the capital that deserves to be highlighted is the beaches that are among the most beautiful in Brazil.

There are hundreds of them on the Island of Santa Catarina, where the state capital Florianópolis is located, and in its neighbouring municipalities. They are all stunning, surrounded by dunes, sandbanks or hills covered with Atlantic Forest, with calm waters for children or waves fit for surfers, trendy resorts or small communities of fishermen.

oriú

city soon pulsate, with many shops, department stores, shopping malls, restaurants, ice cream shops, cafes and bars by the sea, the starting point for the famous night clubs that stay open until dawn. The destination gained even more prominence in 2017, when it was officially recognised as a stop for cruise ships. MSC Cruises, for example, has itineraries with Balneário included for the 2017/18 season.

BETO CARRERO A whole day is not enough to visit all the 100+ attractions of Beto Carrero Foto: Caio Vilela/MTur

BALNEÁRIO CAMBORIÚ About 80km from the state capital is Balneário Camboriú. The city competes with the capital of Santa Catarina for tourists in the high season. From December to March, approximately 1.5 million people visit the area. The only resort in the region is the Infinity Blue Resort & Spa, an opportunity considered unique for those who desire comfort.

The bustling Central Beach, where the cosmopolitan Avenida Atlântica is located, is the heart of the city, but there are more tranquil and preserved options, such as the beaches of Laranjeiras, Taquaras, Estaleiro and Estaleirinho.

Another highlight of Balneário is the Unipraias Park, located in Barra Sul, which groups leisure, shopping and ecotourism but still also provides a beautiful view of the city from its aerial cable cars.

At nightfall, the streets of the

View of Pontal Norte in Bauneário Camb

Joaquina Beach, one of the most beautiful in the capital

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World, one of the 10 best amusement parks in the world. BCW receives about 1 million people each year and is located on the North Coast of Santa Catarina, it is considered as the largest theme park in Latin America. From 2019, the park will have a new GJP hotel complex consisting of 250 apartments. The hotel infrastructure will be vital for an even greater development of the park. The park still boasts the only inverted roller coaster in Brazil. The Fire Whip is 700 meters long and takes 20 passengers in each carriage. There are five loops and the speed reaches 100km/h.

SOUTH

RIO GRANDE DO SUL The state is highly regarded throughout Brazil for its traditions and nationally known wine, chimarrão (mate) and barbecue. Rio Grande do Sul carries the nickname of the least tropical state of the country as it has a cooler climate compared to the other states. The population of about 11.3 million is divided between the 497 municipalities and has a touch of Europe within Brazil. The architecture shows German influence and there are many traditions and the locals show great pride, displaying its flag in diverse places.

The state capital, Porto Alegre, which has about 1.4 million inhabitants, has everything that forms a large metropolis: gastronomic options, an intense nightlife, museums that tell stories about the main history and facts about the most European state of Brazil.

A good tip while you are visiting the state capital is to visit the Museum of Science and Technology at PUC Rio Grande do Sul. The museum has various items and works on display that refer to various scientific and technological aspects, some of which are interactive.

Recently, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul was the scene of the last concert of the tour of the band Coldplay, who put on a show worthy of a major event. The British musicians played their biggest hits to an audience of nearly 60,000 people, who watched the show at Grêmio Arena, the stadium of one of the biggest football clubs in Rio Grande do Sul. The biggest highlight of the state is Serra Gaúcha, one of the most sought after destinations by Brazilians and tourists from all over the world. In addition to the gorgeous weather throughout the year, the region has a large number of attractions for any season. In the summer, there are natural lures such as waterfalls. In winter, the cold weather incentivises people to take advantage of the diversified hotel and

READ MORE Capital: Porto Alegre Website: www.turismo.rs.gov.br

Stone church in Gramado, one of the icons of the Serra Gaúcha

Aerial view of the Caracol State Park, in Canela

gastronomy.

Gramado and Canela are the biggest highlights along the mountain range, attracting thousands of visitors, who come to the region looking for leisure activities as there are many, from ice bars to adventure tourism and with hiking on the hills.

Gramado, known as the city of cinema hosts a famous Film Festival every year. It is a city that has a gastronomic

plurality and one of the most extensive array of hotels ranging from the simple to the luxurious, which gave the city the recognition of the best tourism infrastructure in Rio Grande do Sul. The nearby town of Canela offers a wide choice of ecotourism, whether horseback riding, visiting animal mini-festivals or taking a leisurely stroll through the local parks, enjoying the scenery.

Lastly, the capital of the grape is one of

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SOUTH

The Sunset on the Rio Gauíba is one of the attractions of the capital Porto Alegre

the 65 tourism-inducing destinations in Brazil. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Bento Gonçalves is the icing on the cake of Rio Grande do Sul. With an average of 1 million visitors a year, the city annually holds a series of events related to the harvesting and tasting of grapes and wine. In addition to the Italian gastronomy, a characteristic of the city, tourists can understand the whole process of harvesting and manufacturing wine by visiting one of the local wineries.

Not only having the opportunity to taste a great wine and maybe even becoming a sommelier and

knowledgeable about the drink, Bento Gonçalves also has the option of taking a tour on one of the traditional Maria Fumaça steam trains, which run on a route through the Serra Gaúcha, displaying several of its various beauties and showing visitors the most beautiful views and landscapes in the region, yielding photos worthy of postcards.

The various attractions in the state have prompted the Brazilian Tourism Ministry to indicate that 75% of the state's cities have tourism potential, according to the New Tourism Map. In all,

Municipal Market, in the centre of Porto Alegre, is one of the attractions of the city

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371 cities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul show a tourist vocation, an increase of 26% compared to last year, when the local map had 294 municipalities. The number of regions remained at 27 in relation to the previous map.

A c co rd i n g to t h e n ew m a p , 5 4 municipalities are in categories A, B and C, which are those that concentrate the flow of domestic and international tourists. In this list there are destinations such as Porto Alegre, Bento Gonçalves, Gramado, Canela, Cambará do Sul, Capão da Canoa and Xangri-lá.

BRAZIL

BRAZIL: OTHER DESTINATIONS Serra da Capivara National Park (Piauí) The cities of Canto do Buriti, Coronel José Dias, Sao Joao do Piauí and Sao Raimundo Nonato, are located in the Serra da Capivara National Park, which represents Brazil’s prehistoric heritage. In an area of 9,185km2, the huge open-air museum has archaeological and paleontological studies about the history of the country that show the presence of humans and prehistoric animals in the area. It is possible to visit walls with prehistoric drawings and engravings on them.

Read more: Capital: Teresina Climate: Tropical and semiarid Website: www.piaui.pi.gov.br/terra-querida

Jalapão (Tocantins) Jalapão is a Brazilian conservation unit located in the eastern region of the state of Tocantins. The vegetation is predominantly savanna. The site is considered as the northeastern oasis. The reserve covers an area of 34,000km2 encompassing eight cities, the principal being Mateiros where the best attractions are found.

Next to Mateiros is Fervedouro, a destination known for its clear water wells in which people float, surrounded by dense vegetation.

For the adventurous, one of the most popular activities is rafting down the Rio Novo rapids. On a stretch of 6km, the tour, which lasts three hours, is radical and unforgettable.

Read more: Capital: Palmas Climate: Tropical and semiarid Website: turismo.to.gov.br/regioes-turisticas/encantos-do-jalapao/

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BRAZIL

Chapada dos Veadeiros (Goiás) At 1,700m in height, Chapada dos Veadeiros is an unforgettable destination. It is full of waterfalls, natural pools, canyons, streams and dense forests. The region is unique for the adventurous. You can only reach the main attractions along trails consisting of rocky and steep stretches. The Trail of the Canyons is one of the most famous in the region and takes 5 hours by foot to get to the Carioca Waterfall, Canyon II and Rio Preto. On the other hand, the Seriema trail, where you will find the Stream Road (Córrego Rodoviário) is suitable for all ages, from children to seniors who wish to know more about the local fauna and flora.

Read more: Capital: Goiânia Climate: Tropical and high-altitude tropical Website: www.goiasturismo.go.gov.br

Monte Roraima (Roraima) With shapes carved into the rocks and cliffs by the wind, Monte Roraima has the ability to impress any visitor. Located on the border between Brazil, Guyana and Venezuela, the ancient cliff is the seventh highest point in Brazil at 2875m. One of the tours, preferred by tourists, is three days climbing and trekking that passes through the savannah, rivers, under a waterfall and a narrow path on the cliffs of the mountain. Among the exotic local animals, black frogs, dragonflies and tarantulas, only found in this mountain, are the ones that fascinate and surprise visitors.

Read more: Capital: Boa Vista Climate: tropical and equatorial Website: www.turismo.rr.gov.br/site

Chapada dos Guimarães (Mato Grosso) Hiking, exploring trails and waterfalls is the principle activity in Chapada dos Guimarães. The Cerrado vegetation mixes with the sandstone walls, creating an unforgettable setting for adventure lovers of sports such as trekking. There is a 6km trail with five waterfalls called the Circuit of the Falls, which is a good example for people seeking some tranquillity and well-being. The waterfalls and singing birds can make anyone feel refreshed. One way to enjoy the great beauty of this setting, is watching the sunset on the St. Jerome hill.

Read more: Capital: Cuiabá Climate: Equatorial and Tropical Website: http://turismo.sedtur.mt.gov.br

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