Tourism in Brazil - Case Study Example

Tourism in Brazil Project By STUDENT NAME Name of Class (Course) Professor (Tutor) Name of Institution (University) City and State The Date Geography Introduction Brazil is a top tourism destination in the world, it’s the leading tourist destination in South America and comes second in place in the Latin America after the Spanish speaking Mexico. From the wilderness of the Amazon rainforest and world-class attractions such as the Iguazu Falls to the lively city life of São Paulo and immense cultural energy of Pernambuco, and the annual Carnival spawning the Brazilian Cities, noticeably: Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, and Olinda, there is more than enough to see and to do in Brazil. This project aims to give an analysis of Brazil as a tourism destination and to study the impacts of tourism on its culture and society. Ethnicity &Livelihood It’s also the most diverse, filled to the brim with rich doses of history, religion, culture and sporting prominence (Blanke et al., 2013). Brazil is also the only Portuguese-speaking country in both Americas due to colonization by Portugal. During this period, slavery was a major part of the Brazilian heritage. Slaves were brought from Africa. In the 19th century. Others immigrated to Brazil, mainly of European and Asian descent, particularly from Japan, Poland, Spain, Italy, and Germany. Despite the diversity, Brazil has managed to maintain strong national pride and religious devotion. Majority of the population are Roman Catholic. Brazil has the world's ninth- major economy in the world by nominal GDP. With a diversified economy that consists of agriculture, industry, and a wide range of services. The industry is the third-largest manufacturing sector in the Americas, mainly made up of: autos companies, steel production, petrochemicals, computers, airplanes and shopper durables.Brazil for the last 150 years has been the largest coffee producer. Brazil also has a distinct and a complex service industry. For instance, in the 1990s, the banking industry contributed as much as 16 percent to the Gross Domestic Product. Also, the tourism sector in Brazil is a growing and has become strategic to the livelihood of some regions of the country. Overview of tourism in Brazil. The national tourism organization responsible for coordinating and managing the tourism sector in Brazil is called Instituto Brasileiro de Tourismo or the Brazilian Tourist Board.[EMB08] Brazil is partitioned into five regions namely the south, the southeast, the Midwest, the northeast, and the north. The southeastern part is the most known part of the country as it encompasses Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, known for the carnival, hyperactive nightlife, Christ the Redeemer statue, culture and beaches especially the Copacabana. However, Rio de Janeiro’s is also known as a violent city and that reputation has hastily diminished the number of travelers coming into the city. Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, is one of the world most large-scale project built between years 1957-60. Built practically out of nowhere as an administrative capital and was not designed for people but automobiles as the distances are too long to walk. It is listed as a World Heritage Site and a testimony of the modern architecture. The Northern region is characterized by the Amazon Forest. Of the world’s forest cover, 30% is made up by the Amazon forest, notwithstanding the heavy logging down of trees. One-third of the planet’s species reside here. The unique nature and the abundant wildlife make it a major attraction of Brazil. The northern region is idyllic for eco-tourism, but still, lots of opportunities have not been tap for eco-tourism purposes. The Northeastern part is briskly growing into an international traveler’s destination of choice. The endless summer and picturesque beaches create a pedestal for several tourism prospects. In 2014, Brazil hosted the world cup tournament, and it is the only nation to ever win the tournament four times. Maracan, world biggest football stadium with a capacity of 160,000 persons, is in Brazil. Iguazu Falls are one the world’s three great falls, Victoria Falls and Niagara Falls found in Africa and North America respectively are the other two. The Pantanal, world largest wetland is found in the Central West part of the Brazil. It’s about half the size of France with less than 100,000 sq. Km is spawning across the border into Bolivia and Paraguay. Pantanal is the best location in Brazil to view wildlife. The whole region experience yearly flooding that occurs as from October to March turning the whole area into a swamp. The Carnival of Rio Carnival festivities in Brazil date way back to 1723 when Portuguese immigrants came into the country. The distinctive characteristics of Brazilian Carnival are deeply rooted in a cultural clash between the Portuguese colonialists and the Africans slaves. Samba, was first performed in Rio de Janeiro at Pedra do Sal in the old town. It is believed to be the location of a former slave trade spot that became a popular meeting point for the Afro-Brazilian; the Portuguese came with the festival from Europe and Africans had their rhythms, music and dance moves. The first samba dance was a ritual called Candomble, it was performed to drums and handclaps and was composed there. (LLC, Bookers International, 2016). Therefore, samba is an eclectic mix of music, songs, and dance moves that Afro-Brazilians brought with them after the abolition of slavery in 1888, to the impoverished slums surrounding Rio. In 1917, that the samba became an integral part of the Carnival of Rio. Musical styles and other customs emerged slowly over time; the event is very much an outcome of the mutual love for the music of the former colonists and the former slaves. With the parade custom going far back in years to the 1930s, Rio is home to several well-known samba schools that always participate during a 2-night bonanza of rhythms and exhibition. For calculated precision for 90 minutes, they battle out for cash and nationwide fame in Rio’s Carnival Stadium that is known as the Sambadrome, one of its kind to ever be build. Conceived by the Brazilian remarkable architect Oscar Niemeyer, a. The stadium is approximately 2,300- base -long, with its idiosyncratic arch that is normally referred to as a ‘concrete thong’ jokingly. The stadium can hold up to ninety thousand raucous viewers for the chance of watching their favored groups amidst the unparalleled energy of Carnival festivities. The stadium was first opened in 1984. Locals and visitors likewise are allowed to participate in the carnival parades through requesting the league of Rio de Janeiro Independent Samba School or any of the participating school. Tickets to experience the occasion are purchased personally at the Sambadrome, or through e ticketing although this only apply to those with Brazilian ID. Iguacu (Iguazu) falls Interpretation of The Guarani Legend of Iguazu Falls explains how M'boi, the serpent god, created the falls of Iguazu. It states that before the arrival of the Spanish, the land around Iguazu Falls was owned by the Guarani Indians who every year would give up a beautiful virgin to M’boi the Serpent God claimed to live in the Iguazu River. Traditionally, these girls were raised to be sacrificed. One day, a girl called Naipi, who was not one of these condemned girls was walking by the river, and M’Boi saw her reflection in the water and demanded her. However, Naipi was betrothed to Taruba, a feared warrior from a neighbouring tribe. Taruba made arrangements with Naipi to meet at the Iguazu River and run away in the hope of saving her. However, M’Boi saw them getting into a canoe and was so mad that he forced the earth to split sending the boat into spirals. Taruba was knocked out and tossed onto the embankment and became a palm tree eternally rooted deep into earth above the falls while Naipi who was trapped inside the canoe and about to crash into the land below was transformed into a big rock so that she wouldn’t managed to escape. World image of Brazil. This section discusses the several ways in which Brazil image has been defined. The United States of America has the highest number of tourism export to Brazil. They spend more money and time in Brazil than any other international visitors (Rezende-Parker et al., 2003, p. 243). Brazil is known for its natural attractions, its holiday atmosphere and its exoticness and beautiful beaches and its jungle and rainforests (Rezende-Parker et al., 2003, p. 244). Amazon and Rio de Janeiro as the top destination. However, due the favelas and pollution in Copacabana and high crime rate in Rio de Janeiro, most American thinks Brazil is a poor country, and they are afraid of their safety. (Rezende-Parker, et al., 2003, p. 257) According to Bandyopadhyay, et al., 2010, Brazil has also being displayed as an erotic destination. The Carnival of Rio is controversial for this. Since when Brazil was a Portuguese colony over 500 years’ ago, it has been portrayed as a tropical paradise and the home of wild people. Mega Events in Brazil Nations which stage mega-events wish to show the world that they are great nations capable of staging such significant events (Santos & JMCM, 2014, p. 1312). This is known as ‘place promotion’ (Santos & JMCM, 2014, p. 1312) Brazil has staged several international events. The most recent such event was the Olympic Games in 2016. It also staged the Football World Cup in 2014 and the 2007 Pan-American Games. Staging of international mega-event may benefit from the facilities built for staging the event and about how cities can be renewed as a result of preparing the city for staging the event (Santos & JMCM, 2014, p. 1313). However, providing facilities is very expensive and that the money spent on them will be wasted if the facilities are not used very much after the event has been held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Before the World Cup was staged in Brazil, people protested the increased taxes (Butler et al., 2015, p. 1). It is possible that people in other countries, seeing such protests, might decide not to go to Brazil for the World Cup (Butler et al., 2015, p. 11). The people who opposed made the point that Brazil needed to improve healthcare and education at a time when large sums of money were being spent on staging the World Cup (Butler et al., 2015, p. 3). Some Brazilians were moved from where they lived, and favelas were destroyed to make way for the building of hotels, parking lots and other buildings required for staging the World Cup (Butler, et al., 2015, p. 7) with no compensation and left with no place in which to live (Butler, et al., 2015, p. 9). ‘Although protests occurred, Brazil hosted millions of fans without any significant incidents involving crime or violence thus improving the international image of the host society (Butler et al., 2015, p. 3). Staging mega-events can improve understanding among nations and provide a reason for the nation staging the event to spend money on improving the infrastructure of their cities (Butler et al., 2015, p. 4). Eco Tourism in Brazil. The amazon forest has a rich presence of wildlife and plant species. Visitors can visit the world largest rain forest to experience the beauty of Mother Nature. However, if the logging levels are maintained at the current rate, the cover will continue to depreciate at an alarming level. PANTANAL - The biggest Marshes on Earth: home to a wealth of glamorous wildlife species such as rheas, coatis, spoonbills, Chaco, Jabiru, chachalacas, and coatis. It reveals a massive expanse of ecological sub-regions, such as lakes, grasslands, and river corridors and gallery forests. The area is under constant risk from the extensive cattle ranching THE EAST BRAZIL SHELF is a diver’s Ecstasy: This aquatic area is exemplified by calcareous sediments and biogenic shoals and also contains the largest amount of coral reefs. It also embodies two of Brazil’s best scuba diving spots known as Fernando do Noronha and the Abrolhos Archipelago. Favelas and the Pataxo. The favelas are communities on the hills in which the people live in a poor housing (Frisch & T, 2012, p. 326). Favelas are also associated with forms of popular culture such as the samba schools, hip hop and street art (Frisch & T, 2012, p. 328). Since the 1990s, they have become a tourist attraction (Frisch & T, 2012, p. 320). Visitors are attracted to see how people live in a way that differs from the way in which tourists live (Frisch & T, 2012, p. 326). They are also attracted by the idea that they are having an authentic experience when they visit the favelas (Frisch & T, 2012, p. 326). Because of language differences, the tourists do not interact very much with the favela-dwellers. Tourists make contact with the Pataxo when they come to visit the place where the Portuguese first landed in Brazil (Grunewald & R, 2002, p. 1008). The Pataxo make a trail into the forest along which the tourists walked into the woods. In the forest, the tourists would be told about forest plants used traditionally by the Pataxo for medicine (Grunewald & R, 2002, p. 1009). In one of the huts, tourists drink a traditional drink or watch fish being grilled in a traditional way (Grunewald & R, 2002, p. 1009). The Pataxo also sing and dance for the tourists. Brochure Transport In a large country like Brazil, air transport is from time to time as cheap as traveling long-distance by bus due to her vast network (Anon., 2016). Unlike the domestic flight services, buses depart precisely on time. Long-distance buses are regularly in perfect condition and comfy. The best amenities and coaches are found in Southern Brazil. In northern Brazil, they are of less quality. Self-driving is a fantastic way to feel the attraction and vastness of Brazil. Nevertheless, road conditions differ by region. Southern Brazil has the best roads. The farther north you go, the worse the conditions get. Motorways in the Amazon, Pantanal, and Sertão are mostly all weather roads, accessible by 4x4. Boat travel is a more conventional in particular parts of the country namely the Amazon and sections of the North and the North-eastern coast. Manaus has an extensive boat network, with a broad choice of vessels and destinations. In the large metropolitan areas of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo there is a contemporary metro network, but buses and minivans are the most preferred means of public transport. Accommodation The usual types of accommodation available in Brazil are: Hotels: they can be found virtually everywhere and as usual they vary in their price, quality and facility ranges. Pousadas: roughly the Brazilian version of a Bed & Breakfast. Pousadas differ significantly in the standard of the premises, quality and rates. Pousadas are popular among foreign travelers because they are in general more personal and more charming than the average hotel. Aparthotels: These housing amenities are normally a one bedroom, and has a small kitchen or kitchenette. A convenient option if you are staying for a while in one of the larger metropolitan areas. Resorts: A somewhat new sensation, becoming prevalent among the tourists. They are large facilities providing almost all tourist services under a single roof. Jungle lodges: are purpose built where you can stay a few nights. Most of this particular type of accommodation offer only basic facilities. But there are some that are very luxurious. Mostly common in Amazon and Pantanal. Gastronomy in Brazil There is a rise of culinary tourism in unusual places like favelas A main part of Brazil's food taste is the traditional Feijoada cooked particularly in the favelas. Feijoada is a robust stew made of beans, meat, and pork is eaten usually as a family meal mostly on Saturdays. Travelers can easily participate in this custom, as most eateries will be offering the meal as part of their menu on Saturdays. One of the popular places to enjoy the informal food traditions is on Rio’s beaches This is supplemented by the beach kiosks, and particularly common on Copacabana and Ipanema where, you will find caipirinhas, cold beers, and cold coconut waters being sold to the thirsty beachgoers to quench down their beach fare. Moreover, Brazil’s food culture can also be explored in its more conventional dining establishments. There are plenty of starting points to get a taste of Brazilian cuisine. Conclusion Brazil provides a rich collection of experiences for cultural tourists, one of the best in the world. Tourist can enjoy the diverse cultural heritage and the abundant natural scenery as well. Brazil has greatly to promote its Eco tourism. However, there is need to lower the crime rates in Rio de Janeiro to attract more tourists. References .Anon, 2016. AboutBrasil. [Online] Available at: http://www.aboutbrasil.com/modules/brazi-brasil/travel_about_brazil.php?hoofd=1&sub=1&art=10 [Accessed 4 September 2017]. Bandyopadhyay, Nascimento, R. &. & K, 2010. Where fantasy becomes reality’: how tourism forces made Brazil a sexual playground. Journal of sustainable tourism, 18(8), pp. 933-949. Blanke, J., Retrieve & Chiesa., T., 2013. Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2013, Geneva: s.n. Butler, BN & Aicher, T., 2015. 'Demonstrations and displacement: social impact and the 2014 FIFA World Cup'. Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure & Events, pp. 1-15. EMBRATUR, 2008. Principais Emissores de Turistas para o Brasil 2006-2007, Brasilia: Ministério de Turismo. Frisch & T, 2012. Glimpses of another world: the favela as a tourist attraction. Tourism Geographies, 14(2), pp. 320-328. Grunewald & R, 2002. Tourism and Cultural Revival. Annals of Tourism Research, 29(4), pp. 1004-1021. LLC, Bookers International, 2016. Brazil Carnival 2017. s.l.:LLC, Bookers International. Rezende-Parker, AM, M. & AM, I., 2003. Dazed and Confused. Journal of vacation marketing, 9(3), pp. 243-249. Rogers, B. R., n.d. Planetware. [Online] Available at: http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/brazil-bra.htm [Accessed 9 September 2017]. [Accessed 9 September 2017]. Santos & JMCM, 2014. The International Journal of the History of Sport. Brazil: an emerging power establishing itself in the world of international sports mega-events, 31(10), pp. 1312-1327. Touropia, 2017. 27 Top Tourist Attractions in Brazil. [Online] Available at: http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-brazil/ Read More