In another Cup 2014 development presenting potential opportunities for Australian business, Brazil’s national body for ports has called for significant new passenger facilities to be installed in eight of the country’s main sea-based entry points, of which only two (Santos and Rio de Janeiro) are currently equipped with specific travel installations.
A recent report stated that Antaq (National Agency for Aquatic Transport) will invest R$ 740 million (AU$ 460 million) over three years on the upgrades, which will occur in eight of the 12 host cities for the 2014 World Cup.
Ports in Manaus, Fortaleza, Natal, Recife, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro and Santos will receive the Antaq funding, while Porto Alegre is already being upgraded through state government funding.
At present, passengers are still sharing cargo facilities when disembarking at all but the two ports mentioned, discouraging tourism and sometimes creating dangerous situations. The initiative also aims to prepare the ports to host additional cruise liners offering alternative accommodation over the Cup period.