A Tourist Destination of Brazil - Article Example

Project Analysis of A Destination – Brazil Name Course Name and Code Date Introduction Latin is located in the Latin America region, and it is the largest country. The country has unique geographical setting including biodiversity. The biodiversity is in terms of the fauna and flora. In addition, there are numerous natural features that attract tourists. Moreover, Brazil has hosted numerous mega events with the purpose of showcasing the features and activities in Brazil. Numerous activities also take place during specific periods, and it affects the business and tourist activities. The paper discusses Brazil as a tourist destination. Some of the discussions will be premised on Brazilian society, Brazil’s tourism industry, numerous features, and activities that tourists seek to achieve in visiting Brazil. Other discussions will be based on accommodation, transport and other factors that dictate the tourism industry. Brazilian Society According to the Discovery Channel (2004, p. 27), the first inhabitants were Amerindians. The Portuguese came to Brazil to such for wealth and changing religious orientation. The Portuguese then imported Africa slaves as a labor force. Other movements from the Middle East, Asia and other parts of the world resulted in a multicultural society. The diversity of ethnicity in Brazil is attributed to the movement of people to Brazil and intermarriages that created more diversity. Brazil has numerous natural resources, which are the source of most economic opportunities. The country has volumes of crude oil and numerous minerals that produce products such as steel and iron. In addition, Amazon River attracts tourists and other agricultural activities that generate wealth and creates employment. Therefore, the sources of wealth and employment opportunities in Brazil are diversified because of the nature of economic activities and natural factors. Brazil’s Tourism History The first ‘outsiders’ to visit Brazil were the Portuguese, and can be seen as tourists, who stated that Brazil was a ‘tropical paradise’ with people ‘as wild as the jungle’ (Bandyopadhyay and Nascimento 2010, p. 934). The human movement to Brazil and the numerous explorations opportunities attracts more tourists. Brazil utilizes the cultural diversity as one of the components to attract tourists. Brazil also uses the environmental features as a cue to attract tourists to the country. Other authors such as Boniface and Cooper (2001, p. 335) traces the Brazil’s tourism history to the Portuguese royal family in the nineteenth century who lived around Rio region. The significance of the Rio Carnival that is traced to the Portuguese royal family resulted in the government creating the Department of Tourism in the 1930s to advance tourism requirements. The government in the 1940s, 1950s and mid-1980s concentrated in Rio beaches and features around Rio to attract tourists. However, the strategy was ineffective, and the government changed the strategy and developed other areas as tourist attraction such as Tijuca National Park. Moreover, training and development were included in the new changes to ensure the employees, and other stakeholders understood their roles and operated effectively (Leal, Netto, Trigo 2012, p. 175). The Rio Carnival Carnival and other Pre-Lenten celebrations occur across the world yearly, and the origin of Carnival is still been debated and even the dates. It is believed that the Carnival started with the Catholics and celebrated before the Ash Wednesday and many people believe the origin of Carnival is the prohibition of eating meat during the Lent period. Carnival then spread through France to other regions and Catholic Portuguese introduced it to Rio de Janeiro. Due to cultural diversity, the Rio Carnival was modified, and cultural interventions changed the ideology of Carnival resulting in samba dances. Groups of dancers with makeshift costumes parade in the streets. The Samba Schools were born to enable the organization and revolutionalized the Carnival. The tourists are involved as audiences and spectators. In addition, the tourists can participate in dances and acquire some of the products and services offered during the time. The Iguaca Falls Iguaca Falls are waterfalls that are located on the Iguazu River. The river borders Brazilian state of Parana and the Argentine province of Misiones. The falls divide the river into two: the upper and lower Iguaçu. Apart from the waterfalls, there are numerous features that attract the tourists. These features include the fauna and flora. It is also conducive for hiking and enjoying the environment Brazil’s Tourism Image Rezende-Parker, Morrison and Ismail (2003, p. 244) presents that the image of a destination is based on the “beliefs, ideas and impressions.” According to Bandyopadhyay &Nascimento (2010, p. 934) presents that the image of Brazil since the beginning was that of wild people and tropical paradise. Sex and sexual related stories have been written about Brazil and Bandyopadhyay &Nascimento (2010, p. 937) states that as “alluring and dangerous to the Western male.” Brazil was also seen as sex tourism destination because of the multicultural nature of the communities and also activities such as Sumba dancing that attracted more people. The Brazil Tourism is shaped by images such as those of Carnival of Rio and Copacabana (Bandyopadhyay &Nascimento (2010, p. 937). However, controversies surround the activities that are held at these locations. Sexual tourism, immoral and ethical behaviors which are against the cultural fabric of humanity takes place. In addition, criminal activities usually occur during the period, and the effectiveness of the services provided during the period is also debatable. Mega Events Sports mega-events such as the Olympic Games and the World Cup attract millions of people across the world. Holding such events attracts people from different cultural backgrounds, and it improves the socioeconomic activities in the area. Santos (2014, p. 1312) state that countries staging mega-events wants the world to understand the features of the country. Santos (1333) presents the views of other scholars stating the cities can be renewed, and facilities availed to support the community and society requirements. Butler & Aicher (2015, p.5) argues that such events improves the international image and may attract different stakeholders such as investors to develop the country. However, numerous shortcomings are associated with hosting such events. Santos (2014, p. 1322) presents the example of 2007 Pan American Games in Rio that required huge allocation of resources, but the country did not benefit because of the projects were overpriced while other expectations of the development were not achieved. Butler & Aicher (2015, p.1) states that hosting the events is expensive to the public indicating the example of World Cup in which demonstrations were common. The demonstrations indicate that the mega-projects do not benefit the public and can be seen as white elephants. Brazil’s Ecotourism Attractions Brazil has created structures and approaches to champion ecotourism. Numerous ecotourism attractions and structures have been developed to advance the requirements of ecotourism. Fernanda, Alexandra & Valeria (2012) presents the Brazilian Sea Turtle Conservation Program (Tartarugas Marinhas or TAMAR) in which the communities are trained on guiding skills and learning about marine ecosystems and sea turtles. The project attracts many tourists and also benefits the community through advancing personal development requirements and sustainability requirements. Other ecotourism attractions areas are the Bonito that encouraging activities such as rafting and banning of activities that affect the ecosystem such as wearing pollutants (Brazil Viator 2014). Cerrado is similar to some extent to the Amazon rainforest and has Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, which is a UNESCO listed sire. The government has instituted measures to conserve this ecosystem. Others are Foz do Iguacu, Pantanal, and Fernando de Noronha among others (Brazil Viator 2014). Favela-Dwellers and the Pataxo People According to Frisch (2012, p. 324), the origin is presented in different perspectives in which one angle is that soldier built after the war while others state that it was built by poor people because of city housing crisis. The living conditions attract tourists to see how the inhabitants live because it differs from the tourist living conditions. In addition, tourists are attracted because of the street art, hip-hop and samba schools. Grunewald (2002, p. 1005) state the Pataxo people lived around the forests and attacked Portuguese when they arrived. Even though some economic activities took place, the Pataxo people continued attacking the Portuguese. The economic condition of Pataxo people changed after independence because of limitation on agricultural activities. The tourist attraction on Pataxo people is attributed to the objects that they make and sell to the tourists. The handicrafts include loin-cloths, earrings, and serving bowls. The Favela-Dwellers and the Potaxo People benefit through the economic activities with the tourists. Even though the Favela people are not employed by the tour operators because of limited education and experiences, the presence of the tourists generate some income through the courier services. The Potaxo people benefit from selling the objects to the tourists which improves the economic activities. Brochure Jalapão (Tocantins) Desert It is located in the center of Brazil and it is a beauty. The desert creates unique scenarios, which includes Jalapao, cerrado and caatinga. Presences of rocky outcrops of shapes and colors, large plains, rapids, crystal clear waters and waters falls, dunes, creates an adventure scene. Your are welcomed to enjoy and experience the unique interconnection of features. Brazilian Pantanal It is the largest floodplain in the word. It links La Plata and the Amazon, which is a bio-geographical corridor that enables an adventure to enjoy diverse flora and fauna specifies. It creates a wonderful relationship between the bottom (flat) and upper catchment (plateau) and balances drought and flow. The diversity of economic and social activities is integrated into the region. Iguaçu Falls It covers a length of 420 km with an area of 225,000 hectares. It is home to Iguacu National Park with numerous falls. It is an internal park in the Prata Basin, with important genetic plants and animals. It has between 150 and 300 waterfalls depending on the seasons. Other attractions are also present, which includes the Visitors Center, the Macuco Waterfall, the Poco Preto and fauna. It is an interesting location. Angra dos Reis and Big Island It is a city that hosts numerous historical features with many sights and attractions. It has forests, rivers, lush mountains, sparkling blue waters, beautiful beaches and a lush of natural beauty. It was classified as Wonders of Rio de Janeiro in 2007 second to the Sugar Loaf. The region has more than 100 beaches, tropical climate, wildlife, full of adventure trails and lush vegetations. Gastronomic Experiences Portuguese, African and Indigenous influences have impacted the Brazilian gastronomy. The Gastronomy of Brazil can be termed as the most varied and richest in the world. The Brazil cuisine is localized and regionalized in that each area develops its own dishes (Narayan, 2004). For example, in the central western region, the common cuisine is the Matto Grosso that is made of a variety of fish that is wrapped sea salt and banana leaves and then grill roasted. Others are ham and loin of pork roasted with marinated or honey is also common within the region. Traditional dishes are also common. The feijoada is made from pork and black beans, and it is served with orange slices, vegetables, and white rice. Acaraje is also a popular traditional discjes that represent the Brazilin cuisine that is made of green beans cururu, cream of shrimp, and vatapa buns (Santana, 2000, p. 86). Moqueca is made from herbs, spices, salt and fish while tacaca no tocupi is made of a special sauce with a mixture of cassava powder. These are some of the traditional dishes that attract the tourists. Drinks are also common, and there are numerous Brazilian beverages. The national drink is caipirinha that is made from cachaca, which is a brandy obtained through distilling sugar. Other drinks include guarana, Brazilian coffee, fruit smoothies, beer, sugar and ice and lime juice. Brazil has interesting gastronomic offerings, which tourists can sample. Transport Experiences The geographical positioning of Brazil including the vast land means that it should have effective transport infrastructure. People can travel through land, water and air. The common land transport network includes the use of coach services, bus, metro, tram and train (Sobral Peci and Souza, 2007, p. 508). There are few trains that can carry people, and the common means of transportation is bus and taxis. The vastness of the country creates challenges in the movement from one region to the other, and the solution is air transport. Moreover, the tourists utilize air transport to visit the country and leave the country. Cruises and other forms of water and sea transport are common depending on the requirements and expectations of the tourists. For example, boats are used to move people around the Amazon regions while taxis are used to connect between near cities and towns. Walking and hiking are also common especially when the tourists want to enjoy the environment (Sobral Peci and Souza, 2007, p. 509). Customized services in terms of tour operators are also common and advise the tourists the appropriate means of transportation. Tourist Accommodation In most of Brazil destinations, good accommodation is available. The accommodations are based on prices and seasonality in which high season especially during the Christmas holidays, the prices are high. The common types of accommodations include hotels are purposely built with number rooms and receptions. It ranges in terms of the facility, quality, and price. Pousadas are the family-run guesthouses that are similar to bed and breakfast. Tourists prefer the Pousadas because it provides a ‘Brazilian touch.’ The backpacker hostels are operated by veteran backpackers. The characteristics of the hostel include utilization of common areas, shared facilities, and accommodation in dormitories. Others are camping even though they are not popular because of safety and risk concerns associated with unpredictable wildlife and crime. Aparthotels are structures that offer a small living room, a kitchen, and one or numerous sleeping areas. The facilities offered also differ from some offering fitness facilities to restaurant services. Jungle lodges in areas such as the Pantanal and Amazon are common and ranges in terms of quality and luxuries offered. The motels and resorts operated by international chains of hotels are also common. Conclusion In conclusion, Brazil is among the largest countries in the world with unique tourist features. Ranging from societal arrangements in which cultural diversity is a common component in attracting the tourists to the country. The socioeconomic activities also attract more tourists to the region. The biological diversity in terms of animals and plants creates a unique experience, which attracts more tourists. The natural features such as the deserts, waters falls, Amazon, the cultural activities and other components of the society and environment attracts more visitors. The government has also implemented numerous activities such as hosting mega events with the aim of showcasing the country to the world. Even though Brazil is seen as among the top tourist destinations in the world, the country faces numerous challenges including sex tourism and environmental degradation. The major problem is cultural conflict especially when the image of Brazil is shown as a sex destination. References Bandyopadhyay, R &Nascimento, K 2010, ‘Where fantasy becomes reality’: how tourism forces made Brazil a sexual playground’, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, vol. 18, no. 8, pp. 933-949. Bandyopadhyay, R, Nascimento, K 2010, ‘“Where fantasy becomes reality” ‘: how tourism forces made Brazil a sexual playground’, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, vol. 18, no. 8, pp. 933-949. Boniface, B, Cooper, C 2001, Worldwide destinations: the geography of travel and tourism, 3rdedn., Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford. 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