Investments in Brazilian tourism are going to be fruitful for the candidacy for the Olympic Games Rio 2016. This is what is going to happen as of now, with the signature of the agreement for the assessment of cities that will receive teams and fans in 2014 FIFA World Cup. The result will allow an actual analysis aimed at improving projects and services in the future, providing visitors with more comfort and security.

The purpose of the partnership between the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism and FGV (Fundação Getúlio Vargas), for a total cost of R$ 865.8 thousand, is to assess various infrastructure areas in the country. In 12 months, there will be a complete inventory of Rio de Janeiro, the city where Maracanã stadium is located, with detailed information on sectors such hotels, restaurants, security, town planning, health system, among others. The agreement will also have a direct impact on the requirements for Rio 2016 bid.

- The ranking of hotels, for instance, one of the requirements of the International Olympic Committee, will be based on this study – according to Airton Pereira, the national policy secretary of the Ministry of Tourism.

The agreement was signed during the opening of the International Seminar: Perspectivas e Desafios para o Turismo – Copa do Mundo 2014 (Outlooks and Challenges for Tourism – 2014 World Cup), held in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro. The meeting, which brought together international specialists in major sports events, was considered the initial tourism planning kickoff for projects concerning the competition.

- We need to start preparing ourselves now and we are here for this launching process. We view 2014 World Cup as a great opportunity for the country to increase its visibility before the world – explained Marta Suplicy, the Ministry of Tourism.