Rio expects $450 million in business during World Cup

The city of Rio de Janeiro is expecting to attract $450 million worth of business during the World Cup between June 12 and July 13. In anticipation of the large inflow of visitors – an expected 400,000 foreigners and 450,000 Brazilians from other states – the government is expanding its information services and signage to ensure they can easily get around in the city.

The plans include adding 17 new itinerant tourist information centers at public transport stops and stations and at Maracanã stadium, which will host the final match. In addition, 1,500 volunteers can be found at some of the local tourist destinations to provide information.

According to the local Tourism Secretary, Antonio Pedro de Mello, 3,700 items, such as stickers and signs, are being set up throughout the city to provide directions to visitors. He noted that the city has experience hosting such major events, like Carnival and New Year's Eve on Copacabana Beach, and warned tourists that they may still find long queues and overcrowding at such landmarks as the Christ the Redeemer statue and the Sugarloaf.

The city of Rio de Janeiro will host the International Broadcast Center and the temporary FIFA head office. Moreover, four World Cup teams – the Netherlands, England, Italy, and Brazil – will also be based there.

Translated by Mayra Borges