Comments on: Paradise still unexplored

By: jimbino

jimbino — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:35:10 +0000

Brazil would do well to ease its visa requirements instead of playing tit-for-tat with the USA. I am a retired American who, having a home in Rio, would spend a lot more time and money in Brazil if I were given a visa for a longer stay or, even better, were allowed to stay without a visa.

The only work I do in Brazil is what I expend keeping up my 0.73 hectare property. Not only do I not “take a job” from a Brazilian, I spend a lot of money employing caretakers, landscapers, painters and stonemasons there. The USA can scarcely afford its restrictive visa policy that keeps academics, inventors, scientists and engineers out. Brazil even less so.

By: Deep Brazil

Deep Brazil — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:18:09 +0000

I tend to agree, Ray. Now, even if the country becomes safer, it will take a while to change its international image. Let’s keep in mind that Brazil has been portrayed as a crime paradise since the forties – I lost track of how many Hollywood movies show criminals dreaming of a refuge in Rio. I think this will be a long, very long process.
And, Ray, thanks for being so present around here. I really appreciate it. This is a new project and your support is welcome.

By: Ray Adkins

Ray Adkins — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:41:11 +0000

Dear Regina,

I think safety or the perception of lack of safety in Brazil still is the main factor the prevents further growth in the Tourism industry.
In my opinion infra-structure, training and other contributing factors will come into place quickly and naturally when the demand for tourists is present.
Brazil should focus in the basics right now, making their cities safer and then selling a new clean image of safety well marketed around the world.

Ray

By: Zezinho

Zezinho — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:37:47 +0000

I live here in Brazil and from a favela. We learn english here too. Why the tourism agents do not hire us? We have many smart people here in Rocinha!

~Zezinho

By: Deep Brazil

Deep Brazil — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:38:49 +0000

Yes, I agree this is a big part of the problem – common in most countries that are not in the immediate sphere of the US or England. When I mentioned the lack of training of tourism professionals, I was also referring to language skills.

By: piera

piera — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:23:05 +0000

you wonder why not more tourists come here? the country is not really set up for tourists. the people make it amazing but the communication skills is on both sides, minimal.
its not that its not appreciated but its difficult to take time out for vacation anyway and when one hears that there are difficulties than we veer to another country less isolating. its grandeur is what is both its strength and weakness: very big, one out of every 20? people MIGHT speak a little language other than portuguese…inform your tourists the truth so if they really want to enjoy they take a portuguese class before coming.