The goal is to make Brazil the 3rd world tourist economy by 2022

The 2013-2016 National Tourism Plan, launched on Friday (May 24, 2013) in Brasilia, reveals the positive expectations of the Brazilian government in relation to the industry, with forecasts of significant increases in indicators for the five targets during the period. The goal of the plan is to take Brazil to the position of 3rd world tourist economy by 2022. Last year, the industry grew by 6%, a figure above the world average, and today it represents 3.7% of Gross Domestic Product. "We have ambitious targets, but the potential of the tourism industry in Brazil allows us to make such projections," said the Brazilian Minister of Tourism, Gastão Vieira.

The arrival of foreign tourists in the country is expected to increase from 6.2 million (estimated for this year) to 7.9 million by 2016 (an increase of 8% per year). Similarly, visitor spending should increase from US$ 7.7 billion to US$ 10.34 billion (an increase of 11.69% per year) and formal employment in the sector should increase from 3.1 million to 3.59 million (an increase of 6.64% per year). Brazilians will also travel in the countrymore frequently. It is estimated that the 215.6 million domestic flights expected in 2013 will increase to more than 250 million in 2016 (an increase of 6.14% per year). In the month of the World Cup, the country is expected to receive 600,000 foreigners and benefit from 3.1 million domestic trips.

The document dedicates a chapter to hosting major events. The Ministry of Tourism investments in infrastructure, services and professional qualification, among other actions, are expected to contribute to a 12.9% increase in the average competitiveness index of national tourist destinations, another goal of the National Tourism Plan. The index, created through the partnership between the Ministry of Tourism, SEBRAE and FGV, has been measured annually for four years, in 65 municipalities, with the aim of assessing the level of tourism development in these locations and providing support to public policies.

Mega Events

The international events, which Brazil begins to host this year with the Confederations Cup and World Youth Day, are described in the National Tourism Plan as great opportunities to increase visibility and consolidate Brazil as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. The Ministry of Tourism, fulfilling its role in the responsibility matrix for the 2014 World Cup, is investing more than R$ 212.5 million (2012-13) in the host cities in tourist signs, accessibility to tourist attractions, and tourist information centers.

The ministry has established partnerships with the private sector to increase the supply of accommodation in the country. This effort resulted in the creation of the ProCopa Tourism program, which last year increased the amount of credit available in BNDES for the construction and renovation of hotels from R$ 1 billion to R$ 2 billion. The Pronatec Cup program aims to train and educate 240,000 people to work in professions related to receiving tourists.

The 2013-2016 National Tourism Plan is the result of integrated efforts by the federal government, involving the private sector and the third sector, through the National Tourism Council, under the coordination of the Ministry of Tourism. Aligned to the 2012-2015 Multiyear Plan, it defines the industry's contributions toward economic and social development and the eradication of poverty.

Source:
Ministry of Tourism

28 May 2013