Training for tourism boom as events approach

Brazil´s Ministry of Tourism has released some impressive figures covering expected training numbers across a range of sectors in the lead up to the 2014 World Cup. Minister of Tourism Pedro Novais informed the Senate last week that they predict 306,000 people will participate in the special “Bem Receber Copa” (Receive the Cup Well) training series by 2013, with about R$440 million to be invested by the Ministry.

Rio´s Olympic Park design competition finally set to open

Although initially scheduled to begin in January, the process for the selection of the “General Urban Plan” for the Rio 2016 Olympic Park has finally been announced, with an international competition to open on May 2.

Googling internet opportunities in Brazil

Yet another sector set to undergo strong expansion in Brazil over the coming years has been earmarked by one of the world´s leading companies. Search engine giant Google has announced big plans for its Brazilian operations, taking advantage of government initiatives aimed at rapidly developing the country´s IT and internet infrastructure.

New offices mark sign of the times in Brazil

A couple of recent international forays into the Brazilian market show a wider trend of foreign interest in the country across a spectrum of sectors and some important ideas for Australian businesses looking into the market.

A call for event-driven boost to Brazil´s creativity

Participants at the recent United Nations Conference about Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have discussed how Brazil should use its upcoming string of major international events to showcase its creative potential.

Cup training centre options set to be defined by June

Following on from our first report earlier this week on the wide range of training centres to be developed across Brazil for the 2016 Olympics, we now cover FIFA´s requirements for the 2014 World Cup, which should present a number of potential work opportunities for Australian business.

Recife planning big things for Cup

Brazil´s north-eastern coast features four cities chosen to host World Cup 2014 matches and the largest of these, with a metropolitan population of close to 3.7 million, is Recife. The city is also the most important commercial centre of the region and, with a maze of rivers, canals and dozens of bridges connecting one suburb to another, is known as the Brazilian Venice.

Things heating up for Olympic and Cup training centres

A number of important 2014 Cup and 2016 Olympics-related business opportunities are coming into clearer focus as facilities around Brazil bid for the official right to host teams and athletes in the acclimatisation periods before the event.

Small business hoping to be the winner at 2014 Cup

A recent study by two of Brazil´s top business researchers has predicted that the 2014 World Cup will have an impact on 448 types of economic activity and generate 700,000 jobs, 400,000 full time and 300,000 part time.

Forum to shed light on Australia Brazil sport research opportunities

Victoria University has launched a special sports science event aiming to provide a platform for research collaboration between Australia and Brazil. The symposium has been developed in collaboration with the Brazilian Olympic Committee, the University of Sao Paulo and the Federal University of Alagoas.

Attendees will be able to network with groups with similar interests in fostering research collaboration, exchanging ideas and exploring funding opportunities. There will also be discussion about challenges and successful models for research collaboration and different research approaches. A range of topics will be covered, including: The role of sport in improving health – The Australian experience; Sport business opportunities between Australia and Brazil; and Towards 2016: The Brazilian Approach.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, 20th April at the Victoria University City Convention Centre on Level 12, 300 Flinders Street, Melbourne. Registration commences at 8:00am.

Full details here

Botafogo making important Cup and Games links

In another important private sector play aiming to link with the Rio 2016 Olympics, global nutrition brand Herbalife has signed a deal with Rio´s Botafogo Football and Regatta Club to support the organisation´s efforts in preparing athletes for the event.

Growing drinks brand targets Brazil Cup and Olympics

A US energy drink brand has inked a new international licensing agreement aimed at taking advantage of the growing opportunities in the Brazilian sport market ahead of the 2014 World Cup and Rio 2016 Olympics.