Brazilian and foreign tourists wishing to visit Rio de Janeiro have gained a new tool to help plan their cultural, ecological, sporting and gastronomic programs. On Tuesday, 8 September, Mayor Eduardo Paes and Municipal Secretary of Tourism, Antonio Pedro Figueira de Mello, launched the official guide to the marvelous city on the internet (www.rioguiaoficial.com.br), with tips on tours, accommodation, restaurants, sightseeing, maps and key information updated in real time.

During the event, Mayor Eduardo Paes showed one of the promotional videos from the Rio de Janeiro bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The mayor stressed the importance of the new site, which will also have English and Spanish versions. "Rio de Janeiro is one of the 2014 FIFA World Cup headquarters of and is vying for the 2016 Games. These are events that will attract a huge number of tourists and the city is increasingly prepared to receive these people. The site contains high quality material, with videos, photos as well as excellent tips," said Paes. 

The official guide to the marvelous city also features suggestions for ecological and cultural tours, addresses, museums, and information on the nearby towns of Petropolis, Buzios and Paraty. "It's an interactive guide with blogs on several subjects and real-time information for tourists and city residents," said Secretary Antonio Pedro.