Paradise also receiving overhaul in tourism hotspots

In a noteworthy display of the wide scope of infrastructure and urban redevelopments going on all around Brazil in preparation for the 2014 World Cup, a city council with no direct link to the event has just announced investments of R$70 million to set itself up as a key alternative tourist destination during the tournament.

Rio test event shows up problem areas

Last week´s 5th Military World Games in Rio de Janeiro have provided a noteworthy glimpse of priority areas for the city as it prepares for the much larger challenge of the Rio 2016 Olympics, and to a lesser extent the 2014 World Cup.

Rio transformation winning new admirers

The city at the heart of 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics infrastructure preparations, Rio de Janeiro, has begun making strong progress as it seeks to use the events and sport to drive a major renovation of the ‘cidade maravilhosa’.

Corinthians´ stadium finally locked in and set for Opening rights

Sao Paulo has finally resolved its stadium situation for the 2014 World Cup with the Itaqueirão project formally approved as the city´s selection. The decision follows Sao Paulo´s mayor Gilberto Kassab approving a law affording fiscal incentives to the stadium development, which is being undertaken by the Corinthians Football Club, one of Brazil´s biggest teams.

Brazil hones tourism plans using new Africa 2010 research

The Brazilian Ministry of Tourism has revealed a range of key numbers it is using to guide its actions for the 2014 World Cup, providing a good indication of priorities for tourism related preparations over the coming years.

Rio´s numbers dwarfing spending on other Olympic hosts

Important new figures on investments for the 2014 World Cup and Rio 2016 Olympics have been revealed by professional services giant PricewaterhouseCoopers at an event in Rio earlier this week.

Golf decision made, next step design and construction

Taking advantage of the increased focus on the golfing world this week thanks to the annual British Open tournament, the Rio 2016 Olympics Organising Committee has confirmed that a new golf course will be built for the event, according to Peter Dawson, chief executive of golf´s international controlling body, the Royal and Ancient.

Rio Games ‘strategic pillars’ to permeate all preparations

The president of the Rio 2016 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Carlos Arthur Nuzman, has outlined five strategic pillars that will underpin all the Games planning and organisation efforts at the 123rd International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session, in Durban, South Africa.

Canada, US giving due attention to Brazilian opportunities

In yet another indication of how important Brazil is becoming on the global stage, the Canadian government has just added it to its list of priority countries for commercial policy. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is behind the move, directing his International Commerce Minister, Ed Fast, to include Brazil in a short list of countries Canada will be focusing its efforts on over the coming years.

Opening doubts reflect wider concerns with decision a potential game changer

The saga involving the selection of the host stadium for the opening ceremony and match of the 2014 Brazil World Cup continues to drag on, reflecting wider issues concerning the slow progress of preparations across the country.

Recife port renovation aiming for world class status

A key area offering significant work opportunities across Brazil ahead of the 2014 World Cup is the country´s ports system, with eight facilities set to receive significant upgrades prior to the event. Specifically, Antaq, Brazil´s National Agency for Aquatic Transport, will invest R$ 740 million (AU$ 444 million) over three years on the eight ports, which link to 12 of the host cities for the 2014 Cup.