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.
According to a comprehensive study undertaken by Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) during the South Africa 2010 World Cup, the Ministry is expecting 600,000 tourists over the span of the 2014 event and predicts each one to spend, on average, R$11,400 (AU$6,800) while in the country.
The director of research and studies for the Ministry, José Francisco de Salles Lopes, pointed out that their projections are based on responses from 4,835 tourists at the 2010 Cup, 83% of which were male and 70% between the ages of 25 and 44, percentages which they are now treating as important indicators for 2014. In particular, Lopes pointed out that the relatively young age of past attendees is an important indicator that such tourists will be strong targets for return visits to the country beyond the Cup, making them perfect as future promoters of the Brazil brand around the world.
In other key findings, 2010 Cup tourists visited, on average, 3.8 different cities and stayed for 17.6 days, while 87% of respondents paid for their trips out of their own pockets, with only 9% travelling courtesy of sponsors. Importantly, considering the major investments required in Brazil’s accommodation sector, 69% stayed in hotels and a relatively high 10% in bed and breakfast style businesses, prompting the Ministry to earmark major opportunities for entrepreneurial activity involving B&B and related accommodation over the coming years.
Finally, Rio de Janeiro looks set to be the centre of touristic activity during the event, with 413,000 visitors expected. Sao Paulo should host around 258,000 and Brasilia 207,000.