Sergio Cabral, Governor of the State of Rio de Janeiro was awarded the French government’s highest decoration, the Légion D'Honneur, this week in Paris and in collaboration with Marcia Lins, Rio State Secretary for Tourism, Sport and Leisure also took part in the launch of the Michelin Green Guide - Rio de Janeiro 2009/2010.

Since 1802, the Légion D'Honneur (Legion of Honour) has been awarded to people from all over the world in recognition of their achievements. Governor Cabral has been awarded this commendation for having distinguished himself as a promoter of strengthened relations between France and Brazil and fostering increased levels of French investments in Brazil.

During his stay in Paris, Governor Cabral met with French entrepreneurs interested in increasing investments in the State of Rio and also spoke at the Franco-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce to a group of investors on the same subject.

Governor Cabral said: “Brazil’s economy grew by 5.1% in 2008 with GDP close to US$2 trillion and our economy is currently ranked the tenth largest in the world and predicted to be fifth largest by the World Bank in 2016. We are experiencing real growth and it is visible across a range of industries including food exports, advertising, mobile phones and commercial jets. I was keen to share these insights with French entrepreneurs and also use this as an opportunity to explain to them why Brazil is uniquely positioned to welcome further investments and major events like the Olympic Games and the World Cup”.

The Michelin Green Guide – Rio de Janeiro 2009/2010, marks the first time in over 100 years of the Guide’s existence that a dedicated volume will be published about a South American State. The guide, dedicated entirely to the State of Rio de Janeiro, will be published in more than one hundred countries in Portuguese, English and French.

The guide includes photos of the State’s most breathtaking sights as well as its historical background and advice for visitors on accommodation, restaurants, landmarks and tours. Various options for tours to nearby Niteroi, Buzios, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Petropolis and Vale do Café (Coffee Valley) are also included in this unique publication.

Governor Cabral said: “The launch of the Michelin Green Guide is a triumph for the State of Rio because it will contribute to boosting tourism and the State’s economy. This is undoubtedly the most prestigious guide in the world and I want to express my thanks to Michelin for their decision to produce it. We hope to welcome visitors from around the world to discover Rio’s unique natural attributes, passionate people and spirit of celebration”.

Governor Cabral will also meet with Directors of the Association of French Travel Agencies to discuss the Association’s participation in Rio’s International Congress of French Travel Agents next year.  The event, expected to attract at least 500 travel agents, will take place over four days and will offer attendees a chance follow various seminars and discover the city’s unique charms.