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BRAZIL AND THE NETHERLANDS

One doesn’t need a History degree or to have partly spent one’s life in the Northeast of Brazil – as was my case – to acknowledge and praise the immense contribution that the Netherlands has always given to the development of Brazil. Great names such as Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen, “the Brazilian” (known by every Brazilian as “Maurício de Nassau”), Frans Post and Albert Eckhout  will be forever engraved in our national memory and culture.

Our bilateral relations, which date back to the XVIIth century, always took place in a mutually beneficial manner, be it in the political arena, in trade relations and, specially, in the tourism front. This common heritage of our two peoples is increasing year after year. From the 18th place (2001) as provider of tourists for Brazil, Holland reached the 12th place in 2003. Since then, this position was maintained, but always with an increase in the number of tourists.

Our research on International Tourism Demand (2004-2005) shows that Dutch tourists come to Brazil predominantly for leisure and are in 3rd place in terms of the period of the stay – an average of 15,5 days (2005) -, just behind Italy and the United Kingdom . Holland is also among the 10 countries with highest average spenditure per capita. Thus we can say that, by doing so, Holland contributes meaningfully to the creation of jobs and revenue in our tourism sector.

Fortunately, Brazil is able to offer exactly what Dutch tourists pursue most on their holidays: a combination of culture, adventure and ecotourism destinations. Furthermore, they take home lovely memories of the Brazilian gastronomy, which, for its richness and diversity, is unique in the world. Not to mention the hospitality and cheerfulness of Brazilians!  For all of this, we hope that this long-standing friendship will remain as firm and prosperous as in the last 400 years.

Jeanine Pires
President of EMBRATUR
Brazilian Institute of Tourism

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For the eighth consecutive year, Porto de Galinhas (State of Pernambuco) has been voted as the best beach destination in Brazil by the readers of revista “Viagem e Turismo” (Travel and Tourism magazine), the most popular tourism publication sold in newstands in Brazil.

The region of Porto de Galinhas has more than 16 km of white sandy beaches with coconut trees, crystal clear warm water (average temp. 28º Celsius) and natural pools. Although only 56 km (40 minutes by car) from Guararapes International Airport in Recife, the town seems to be far from city life. There are 7 linked beaches from Camboa to Maracaípe and its beautiful “Pontal”, taking in Muro Alto, Cupe and Porto de Galinhas beach.

Porto de Galinhas boasts hotels of international acclaim and world standard resorts but also cozy family inns offering accommodations so close to the beach that it is possible to sleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore.

Porto de Galinhas is situated in the municipality of Ipojuca to the South of Recife. Besides the aforementioned beaches, Ipojuca has 3 more beaches to the South of the town – Enseadinha, Serrambi and Cacimbas – about 32 km of coastline, making it the town with the longest stretch of coast in the State of Pernambuco.

The town of Porto de Galinhas is very small; indeed, only a couple of streets with a central square, called “Pracinha”. The village concentrates gourmet restaurants, souvenir shops and the residences of the local dwellers; most hotels occupy spaces along the beach, both North of Porto (towards Muro Alto) and South of Porto (towards Maracaípe). Also, it is from the village that visitors depart to boat and buggy trips to other beaches in the region.

Besides beaches, Ipojuca has numerous sugar cane mills that have produced and exported sugar to Europe for hundreds of years. These mills can now be visited by anyone interested in this period of Brazil’s history by joining a guided tour taking in the following sites:

• Engenho Gaipó, which today is a tourist attraction due to its colonial mansion;
• Engenho Massangana, where the abolitionist Joaquim Nabuco lived during his
childhood, located between Cabo de Santo Agostinho and Ipojuca;
• Engenho Curuassu, which has a beautiful waterfall;
• Engenho Canoas, which still produces molasses and rapadura (hard chunks of raw
brown sugar candy) and where the feast of St. Anthony is celebrated on June 13th;
• Engenho Trapiche, birthplace of the famous Count of Boa Vista, whose name was
given to the main avenue in the centre of Recife, capital of Pernambuco, and
• Engenho Tabatinga, whose patron saint is Santa Luzia, where a battle between the
locals and the Dutch took place.

The origin of the name is well known. Porto de Galinhas means in Portuguese “Port of Chickens”. In the second half of the 19th century, the Brazilian Imperial government imposed restrictions to the commerce of slaves, which were widely used as manpower in the sugarcane farms. To circumvent the prohibition, the “black ships” (which transported slaves from Africa to Brazil) looked for other places to moor, further away from the usual Recife harbour. One such place was in the bays around Suape and Ipojuca. When a ship arrived in Porto de Galinhas, as it was prohibited to mention slavery, the word spread as “there are new chickens in the port”; hence, the place gained its name.

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Reportedly, GOL LINHAS AÉREAS INTELIGENTES, the second largest airline in Brazil, is negotiating, in cooperation with Air France-KLM, the possibility to use Curaçao (Netherlands Antilles) as a hub between South and North America. Gol also would have plans to establish an operational base in the island and most likely to station one of its Boeing 737-800 there.

The interest around Hato Airport rises because one of the new shareholders of GOL - a Brazilian investor - holds also 80% of Curaçao Airport Partners.

Curaçao International Airport (HATO) has had, since 2003, a 30-year concession to develop, operate and maintain the airport. The airport currently serves 1 million passengers per year and has the longest runway in the Caribbean region.

GOL offers daily flights to more destinations in Brazil than any other national airline. With the GOL and VARIG brands, the company flies to 59 destinations, connecting all of Brazil’s major cities and ten Latin American destinations, in Argentina (Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Rosario), Bolivia (Santa Cruz de la Sierra), Venezuela (Caracas), Chile (Santiago), Colombia (Bogota), Paraguay (Asuncion), Peru (Lima) and Uruguay (Montevideo).

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The 26th edition of the Sao Paulo Fashion Week took place from January 18 to 23, at the Bienal Pavilion, in the Ibirapuera Park, and showed the new winter collections that amazed or disappointed the fashion makers. The world’s number one model, Raquel Zimmermann, and the eternal diva of the catwalks, Gisele Bündchen, participated in the event. Among the highlights, the unexpected linkage of culture and fashion, promoted by the label Cavalera, promoted a show inspired by the Parintins Folkloric Festival.

The Festival happens for 43 years in the city of Parintins, inlands of the state of Amazonas, on an island surrounded by the Amazon Forest. Currently, it takes place during the last weekend of June. In fact, it is a competition between two groups (called Oxen – the Garantido and the Caprichoso) that alternate playing a folkloric short dramatic piece. The piece, in turn, is a modification of the tradition of the Bumba Meu Boi which was brought by migrants from the Northeastern region and became part of the Amazonian culture. It resembles the parade promoted by the samba schools in Rio de Janeiro but, in fact, it is more similar to a peculiar Amazonian opera because of how the actions are developed. More information about the Festival can be found at the Brazilian Tourism Portal.

In anyway, the teams compete hard for the victory. The competition is marked by the division of colors – Red on one side (Garantido Ox) and Blue on the other (Caprichoso Ox) – with which each team is identified. This was one of the main aspects explored by the label’s show.  Check below the result in a comment published by UOL website, and the gallery with the images of the show.

Boi-Bumbá Festival inspires the dispute of collections showed on divided catwalk of Cavalera.

A catwalk divided in two. One side red, the other blue. At the entry, the symbol of Cavalera was hung, each half painted in the color inverse to the side where it was, to show that the dispute between the collections of the same label was amicable. And that was how, inspired by the colors and spectacular rivalry of the traditional Boi-Bumbá festival of Parintins (in the Amazon region), Cavalera closed the third day of shows during the Sao Paulo Fashion Week.

In the 3-day festival held in the heart of the Amazon forest every June, the spectacle is magnificent and impressing, according to those who have watched it. On the catwalk, in the fashion version, the fight between the rival oxen Caprichoso (represented by the colors blue and white) and Garantido (red and white) became a street wear that can be easily used, notably the jackets that, full of grace and with varied modeling, make anyone look nice. The male jackets deserve special attention, like the perfecto one in thin jeans and the one checked in shades of blue.

The collection brought nice pieces of clothes for men, ranging from velvet pants in a nice shade of blue, to the jackets and shirts with details like collars in different patterns. The jeans, either for women or for men (but mainly the male jeans, even because it is more frequent) open the show and are expected to hit it big out of the catwalks, dressing the young audience that seeks the jeans, and which accounts for most of the sales of that label.

For women, additionally to the jackets and coats, shorts, skirts – all more close-fitting and shorter – ending with the dresses made of silk satin with patterns related to the ox festival, depicting the face of the ox and of Indians.

In the array of colors, the blue on one side and the black and red on the other (there was a little subversion of the official colors of both oxen). Some looks display leopard patterns, in yellow.

Just like in Parintins, there is always a winner: the blue collection did better, being lighter and more harmonious. The red collection, in turn, with dangerous laceworks, heavier (and more obvious) black and red checks and leather pieces was less successful, despite some good moments like the dresses striped with flags.

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The western region of Brazil is the stage for a fantastic spectacle that happens and can be admired daily. The core players are millions of birds, mammals, fish and reptiles of exotic colors, uses and shapes. These are part of one of the most well preserved ecosystems of wild species in the world: the Pantanal – the largest floodable plain on Earth, which was enlisted by Unesco as World Natural Heritage and Biosphere Reserve.

Many reasons convert the Pantanal into an outstanding site to watch wild animals. The diversity of species and the concentration of individuals are only two factors. Another is the relief – the plain terrain and open fields are almost free of visual barriers. Moreover, most of the animals, when let alone, can be observed for longer periods of time. It is a unique sensation to see them so free in their habitat, where the beauty of their shapes – sounds, feathers, leather and pelage – is even more evident.

The best of it all is that any visitor can have access to that marvel in a safe and comfortable way. Since a long time ago, the Pantanal was converted from an isolated and inhospitable site to one of the main Brazilian destinations. Ecotourism has been developed focusing on the welfare of visitors and sustainability, as a way to guarantee the preservation of the area which is very sensitive to human presence, and an important source of income for those making a living from tourism.

That concern is present in almost all undertakings - most of which old farms that have been adjusted to become inns (in Brazil, rustic hotels or hotels nearby nature sites). The inns vary in style – ranging from simple to sophisticated – but they are always cozy and somehow rustic. They also share other characteristics: comfort, diversified and intensive programs, skilled guides and a staff extremely heartfelt.

Pantanal has 230 thousand km², of which 140 thousand km² are in Brazil – the remainder is shared by Paraguay and Bolivia. Pantanal’s area is big enough to house four European countries: Portugal, Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium. One could also say that the plain is a little bigger than the state of Texas in the United States.

According to the WWF, Its fauna has about 650 bird species, 80 mammal species, more than 260 fish species and 50 reptile species. There is also a great diversity of flora. After all, Pantanal could be considered as a sort of “mosaic” of five great biomes: Cerrado, Caatinga, Atlantic Jungle, Chaco and Amazon.

Birds are one of the main attractions in Pantanal. In the plain they can easily find food and peace to build their nests. Two of the largest bird species in the world are found in Pantanal: the tuiuiú (Jabiru Stork), the icon bird of Pantanal, which has wingspan of up to two meters, and the Brazilian ostrich (Greater Rhea) which can weigh upto 36 kg and 1.70 meters in height.

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According to the latest data disseminated by the Brazilian Central Bank, 2008 registered a record inflow of dollars in the Country through expenditures by foreign tourists: US$ 5.85 billions. That figure is 16.8% higher than that for 2007, when U$ 4.953 billion entered the Country, through international tourism.

In December – when the intake of US 527 million was registered, the variation was 12.3% if compared to the same month in 2007, when US 469 million were taken in as expenditure by foreign visitors. December 2008 reported the best figures ever for that month.

The figures confirm the good estimations for the intake of foreign currency to the national economy in 2008 through foreign tourist’s expenditures. The record numbers are evidence that Brazil is following the right path, by working not only to attract tourists, but to make them stay longer in our Country, said the Minister of Tourism, Luiz Barretto.

According to the president of Embratur (Brazilian Tourism Board), Jeanine Pires, that performance represents, among others, an increased intake of foreign currency through the international tourism in Brazil in 2008, which accounted for more than twice the world average (7%), according to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

This is a very important data to measure the success of the tourism economy in a country. It evidences that Brazil is increasingly qualifying and standing out in the competitive international setting”, she said.

The intake of US$ 5.785 billion through the international tourism grants to 2008 a historic record in the series started in 1969. The calculation by the Brazilian Central Bank includes official currency exchange and expenditures using international credit cards.

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From May 14 to 18, Brazil will host one of the most important tourism events worldwide: the 9th World Tourism Forum of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), to be held at Costão do Santinho, in Florianópolis.

The event should approach topics such as tourism trends to the forthcoming years and partnerships capable of ensuring the sector?s success as an economic activity. Brazil is the first Latin American country to host the WTTC, and expects the participation of 800 individuals among executives and tourism operators, journalists and specialized professionals from different countries.

The meeting should gather about one thousand individuals in Florianópolis. Additionally to authorities, heads of large airlines, tourism traders, hotels, car rental companies, events promoters, thematic parkers, credit card insurers and managers, about 200 journalists from the main vehicles worldwide should visit Brazil. “We are few, but we are important for the volume of businesses we create”, said the Council Chairperson, Jean-Claude Baumgarten.

The selection of Brazil to host the 2009 event was ratified in November, during the World Travel Market (WTM) in London. The forum organization will cost around R$ 12 million, to be financed by the Government of Santa Catarina, Embratur and other sponsors.

According to a diagnosis by the WTTC, Brazil is the 14th tourism economy in the world, with tendency of fast and consistent growth in the short and medium terms, at the rate of 5.3% until 2017.

The topic of the 9th Global Conference on Travels and Tourism, to be held in the capital of the State of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, was considered an exemplary public-private partnership, since it gathers local, state and national governments from Brazil and abroad, jointly with leaders of the private sector from all continents.

Jeanine Pires, President of Embratur, said that the partnership between the Brazilian Tourism Board and the WTTC aims at ?carrying out a high standard global event to gather the industry leaders to discuss ways of overcoming the descending economic curve, and to reach an outstanding position in the recovery of the world economies.?

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Best Beaches

Ipanema Beach, Rio, Brazil

Ipanema Beach, Rio, Brazil

By Christina Breda

Overview

Trendsetting Ipanema, the place made famous by the ’60s song to bear its name, has a long tradition of dictating beach chic to the rest of the world. The beach was, after all, a launching pad for the skimpy tanga bikini, the once-popular crocheted G-string for men, and the unforgettable (if only we could forget) dental-floss bikini.

As expected, the two kilometers of white sand - and the bodies strewn along them - are the star attractions here. Yet the name Ipanema also refers to the surrounding neighborhood - a compact, easily navigated mixture of upscale shops, frenetic nighttime hot spots and hip restaurants. First-time visitors will want to stroll down Rua Vinícius de Morais - a strip lined with bars, shops and restaurants, including the famous Garota de Ipanema Bar (originally called the Velloso Bar). It was here that Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Morais penned the lyrics to “The Girl from Ipanema.” On Sundays the Hippie Fair offers wares from area craftsmen and artists. And at night, the young and young-at-heart head to Rio’s Baixo Farme and Baixo Quitéria, southside streets jammed with bars and Cafés.

Getting There
Nearest domestic airport: The International Antonio Carlos Jobim Airport is about 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Ipanema, about a 30-minute drive.

Nearest major international airport: Santos Dumont Domestic Airport, located in the heart of the city, is about 10 minutes by car from Ipanema.

Airport transportation
Taxi fare from Santos Dumont Domestic is approximately R$15 (the local monetary unit is the Brazilian Real), R$30 for a yellow taxi, and R$40 for a special taxi from International Antonio Carlos Jobim. An executive airport bus links the International Airport with the Santos Dumont Airport, or visitors can take a similar bus that serves the main oceanfront hotels in Ipanema.

Timing
Rio de Janeiro’s climate is tropical. The summer season (December to March) is the warmest, with temperatures ranging from 77 to 95 F (25 to 35 C) and higher. In the winter (June through August), temperatures range from 55 to 64 F (13 to 18 C). New Year’s Eve and Carnival (held four days before Ash Wednesday, usually mid- to late-February) are the two busiest times, so book well in advance.

Lodging
Rio has more than 250 hotels and motels, including 13 five-star, 41 four-star and 60 three-star hotels. Generally, prices range from R$122 to R$816, although at peak times any rates are fair game. The areas best known for budget accommodations are Glória, Catete and Flamengo. The Rio Visitors and Convention Bureau has a limited list of hotels. For more accommodations, try Ipanema or Destination Rio.

Cuisine
The city offers a wide selection of cuisine, but it would be a shame to miss out on Rio’s distinct regional cooking and signature dishes. One especially worth trying is Feijoada, a spicy bean-and-pork stew usually served with sides including sliced oranges, stir-fried eggs and manioc flour, thinly sliced kale and white rice. On the sidewalks near the beach, kiosks offer coconut water, corn on the cob, grilled shrimp, baked cheese rolls and other snacks. To wash it down, try “caipirinha” - a traditional cocktail made with Brazilian sugarcane rum, lemon and sugar.

Travel Tips
Unlike the rest of South America, Brazil’s language is Portuguese. However, most people in highly trafficked tourist areas understand English. In addition, Rio has established a Tourist Police branch where officers usually speak English and are trained to provide help to visitors.

While you are there
Take the cable car 887 feet up Péo de Açúcar, Sugar Loaf, for a spectacular panoramic view of the city.

To fake that you’ve been there
Talk about hanging out at lifeguard post No. 9 with the neo-hippies.

Linking for a better vacation
The Rio Visitors and Convention Bureau has general and practical information about visiting the city. For hordes of information in a fun and relaxed package, try Ipanema. Promotional site Destination Rio also has trip-planning basics.

Packages and tours see Brazil Travel Deals

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