The Marvellous City - Rio de Janiero

When asked if I would like to go to Rio, it didn't take much persuasion for me to say ‘yes’!

What on earth could have possibly swayed me...could it have been Sugarloaf and Corcovado Mountains with their awe-inspiring views over the city and the surrounding tropical islands, or the long white beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema drenched with beautiful, tanned people? Or a night out in Lapa, which sways to the sounds of Samba and Bossa Nova?

In all honesty, I was actually attending the first-ever ‘Destination Brazil Showcase’ organised by Brazil’s top incoming travel professionals and supported by the Minister of Tourism and the Mayor of Rio. The government has finally recognised that tourism accounts for 20% of the global economy and for a country such as Brazil, where there are many socio-economic issues, tourism is a positive step in the right direction. Suppliers including hotels, DMC’s and tourist boards from across the country were keen to highlight the attractions of bringing groups to Brazil.

I took the overnight Varig flight from London. Surprisingly, it only takes 11 hours to fly to Sao Paola and then a short hop onto Rio (35 minutes). Within a couple of hours of landing in Brazil, you can be soaking up the sun on Copacabana Beach, with what seems like the rest of the population!

Currently, there are no direct flights into Rio but if demand increases then this could change in the future. Brazil’s other national airline, TAM, also offers direct services from Paris on their modern fleet of Airbus A330-200s.

The best location, as far as hotels are concerned, is along the two main beaches; Copacabana and Ipanema. Copacabana houses the famous ‘Copacabana Palace Hotel’; an Orient-Express property which was originally the only property on the beach – not so these days, it is one of the most densely populated parts of the city. This is definitely the best hotel in town in terms of luxury and style (and they serve the best Caipirinha – the national drink!). The only downfall for groups; there are 35 different room categories to chose from which can be a problem if you want everyone to have the same room.

Sofitel and Le Meridien also have properties which top and tail the long stretch of beach and offer comfortable rooms with stunning views. Both hotels have excellent meeting space, well-laid out and with plenty of F&B possibilities.

I stayed at the Excelsior Hotel, part of the Windsor chain. It had recently been refurbished and rooms were fairly basic but comfortable and with all the mod-cons (minibar, TV, safes etc). This is an ideal hotel for an incentive group who are looking for a central location and a good four-star hotel so they can spend more of their budget on the ground programme.

One negative aspect associated with Rio is the level of violence and crime. Like many cities now there are definitely no-go areas including the ‘favelas’ although organised tours are possible during the day which are interesting and your money will contribute towards local community projects. You have to adopt the same principles you would anywhere else in the world. The beaches are off limits after dark although the promenades are well-lit and are patrolled by tourist police.

Rio works really well for a 4-day incentive; take a jeep tour into Tijuca Forest and up to Corcovado to see Christ the Redeemer; parasail over the city; see the amazing sunset from Sugarloaf mountain followed by a drinks reception and ‘Rio’ carnival show; visit the quaint streets, houses and artists living in Saint Theresa; have dinner in a Churrascaria (local steak house); relax on a full day island tour on wooden schooners and see the real heart of the city on one of the historical city tours, not to mention to shopping in one of the 7 different shopping malls!

If time is no object, then of course, there are many other places within Brazil which work well with Rio:
* Fly to Manaus – stay in an eco-lodge in the Amazon and go alligator spotting!
* Fly to Salvador da Bahia – former capital, UNESCO site with strong African influences from the days of slavery
* Iguassu Falls – on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, 4 times larger than Niagara and offers walking tours, boat tours and stunning scenery

One visit to Brazil and you cannot fail to be impressed…I saw a UK incentive group there during my visit and they were having a ball…if you have top sales people who are hard to impress…take them to Rio!

For more information on Brazil contact denise@totaleventsuccess.com