'Tourism is the solution for the economy of Rio de Janeiro'

A calendar of events in the capital of Rio de Janeiro is beginning to be sold around the world at tourism fairs in the USA, Europe and Latin America. The idea is to promote tourism as a way to get the city out of the current economic crisis and public insecurity. But will the strategy work?

The initiative, led by Embratur (Brazilian tourism company), includes tickets to Las Vegas in the United States, Asuncion, Paraguay, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, until the end of this month, and next month in London , in England, and Barcelona, Spain.

In an interview with the editorial board, Alfredo Lopes, president of the Brazilian Hotel Industry Association of Rio de Janeiro, said that the perceived lack of security in the so-called "wonderful city" is much worse than reality because of the great emphasis on negative news . However, he acknowledges that security needs to be strengthened, especially in tourist areas, which can generate income for the city.

Regarding the calendar of events, according to the expert, it is obvious that this can not be sustained only by Carnival and New Year's Eve, the most important annual festivals in Rio.

"We need to have a calendar from January to January, and the federal government, I think, understands this, because the departure of Rio de Janeiro is by tourism, tourism is the solution to the economy of Rio de Janeiro."

"Rio de Janeiro is not the most violent city in Brazil, but on the news it seems to be the most violent city in the world," he said, noting the success of Rock in Rio in September and other recent events in the city .

Still according to Alfredo Lopes, despite all the information circulating highlighting the problem of violence in the city, the tourist movement in the state of Rio is good, with occupancy rates in hotels varying from 70% to 90%.

"I would say that this calendar will be vital for the leverage of the tourism industry in Rio de Janeiro, and the city itself, economically."