Brazil Tourism Sets Foot On Indian Shores

Reema Sisodia - Mumbai

A high power diplomatic and trade delegation from Brazil along with the country's president visited India with the agenda to firm up trade and business links between the two countries. Tourism along with other sectors was treated as a priority area to augment links between the two countries. A special tourism delegation including officials like the minister for tourism, Brazil, staff of the ministry of culture, members of Embratur (the official wing for promotion of Brazil tourism in the international market), members of the Brazil film industry, along with others, visited New Delhi and Mumbai to identify potential areas for tourism promotion. According to sources, the minister of tourism had met up with a high level team from Air-India to discuss the possibilities to improve air connectivity and increase seat capacity between the two countries. Meeting with decision makers of one of India's leading hotel chains to invest in Brazil was also part of the visit.

Speaking on the plans and programmes of Brazil tourism in India, Pedro Wendler, international relations director, Brazil, Ministry of Tourism said, "India is an extremely important market to us. Both countries have been partners in a number of trade related activities and tourism is yet another area of contact which we intend to establish. Joint promotional activities with the film fraternity at both ends, improving air links between both countries and understanding the Indian travel market is our priority. We also aim to have regular interactions with potential tour operators and travel agents from the Indian market."

Adding further Subramaniam Ayyar, executive director, Indo-Brazilian Chambers of Commerce, Mumbai, said, "The visit of the Brazilian president as the official guest for the Republic Day celebration in the capital is a positive step towards strengthening ties between the two countries."