Brazil: Increase in Tourists Visiting Country Rises by 5.5%

ebc.com.br reported on September 13, 2013 that based on information from the Federal Police, the number of tourists visiting Brazil increased by 5.5% in August of this year. This year, 346,000 foreigners visited Brazil. Airports of Brasilia , the Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo reported to have the highest rates of entry for foreigners. In the month of August, Mexico and Colombia had the highest number of tourists visiting Brazil, although traditionally, the high number of tourists are from Argentina and the U.S. Data may not be completely accurate as many foreign tourists enter the country overland. The World Cup in 2014 is estimated to attract 600,000 foreign tourists. Read Article

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Violence Increases in Tourist Areas of City

Terra reported on September 1, 2013 that tourist areas in the city of Rio de Janeiro have showed an increase in violence due to the theft. The Public Security Institute reported the areas of Santa Teresa and Lapa to show a recorded high index of robberies. However, these areas are not on the top of […]

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Suspects Face Prison for Rape of American Tourist

Globo reported on August 15, 2013 that the court of the state of Rio de Janeiro sentenced three suspects accused of raping an American tourist in Copacabana on March 30 of this year. The three suspects raped the American tourist in a van while her French boyfriend was handcuffed and beaten with an iron bar. […]

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Spanish Companies Invest in Hotels in Brazil to Support Domestic Tourism

On July 2, 2013, Globo reported that Spanish companies will invest in the hotel industry in Brazil as a means to increase domestic tourism rather than international tourism for the two upcoming world events in the upcoming years. The Brazilian government wants to increase foreign tourists to 8 million by 2016 as last year; Brazil […]

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Police Visit Tourist Hotels to Combat Sexual Exploitation

Terra reported on June 6, 2013, that a special police operation in Rio de Janeiro will work to inform tourism professionals against sexual exploitation of children and adolescents in the tourist city. A variety of police officials will visit 30 hotels in Copacabana to ask managers to sign a petition against sexual exploitation as main […]

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: German Tourist Shot in Rocinha Favela

alagoas24horas.com.br reported on June 1, 2013, that a German tourist was shot in the Rocinha favela in the city of Rio de Janeiro. According to UPP officers, the German tourist and his friend visited the Christ the Redeemer statue and then decided to tour the favela. An armed man in an alley surprised the two […]

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São Paulo, Brazil: Colombia Visits to Introduce Tourist Campaign

noticias.r7.com reported on May 21, 2013 that the state office for Colombian Tourism Promotion, Investment, and Exports launched a tourist campaign in São Paulo, Brazil, called “Colombia, Magic Realism”. The campaign is an attempt to further attract and increase Brazilian tourists to visit Colombia. The event will include businessmen and traders from both countries and […]

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Suspects Accused of Raping American Tourist Attend Court Hearing

Terra reported on May 21, 2013 that the Criminal Court in Rio de Janeiro held a hearing on Monday about the rape case of a female American tourist inside a van on March 30 of this year in São Gonçalo, Rio . The four suspects who remained silent in court, are charged with rape, robbery, […]

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Colombian government reiterates interest in building “mega hotel” in the Tayrona Park

According to the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development the company interested in building the luxury hotel is interested in investing in ecotourism in the Tayrona National Parl, El Espectador reports. According to their declarations, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development values ​​and respects the ancestors and the culture of our indigenous peoples […]

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Super Hotel in the Tayrona Park in Colombia will impact the environment

Commenting on the announcement by President Juan Manuel Santos to build a 7-star “environmentally friendly” hotel in Tayrona National Park, RCN Radio was able to establish that there are no studies for this project and that the project will have an impact on the environment. The studies to obtain the licenses to build the project […]

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Kirchner announces National Strategic Tourism Plan for Argentina

Argentine president Cristina Kirchner will announce today her National Strategic Tourism Plan that will open bidding for the construction of electrical lines that connect Buenos Aires to Tucumán, according to lavoz.com.ar. Kirchner will be broadcasting from the Hall of the Bicentennial Argentine Women in the Casa Rosada, after which she will take calls from prospective […]

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NGO’s Warn of Unequal Distribution of Peruvian Police to Inhabitants in Lima

According to RPP.com.pe a specialist of citizen security with the non-governmental organization “Our City” says there is an unequal distribution of police to inhabitants in parts of the Peruvian capital, Lima. Carlos Romero says the majority of police forces are in the modern sectors of Lima leaving the sectors with the most inhabitants with little […]

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Cusco, Peru: Marriott Delay Hotel Opening

According to Peru21.pe the Marriott hotel chain has delayed their opening of a new hotel in Cusco, scheduled for June 2012. Maritza Montero, director of sales and marketing for Marriott says the budget for the project, $40 million, remains unchanged and that the construction and structure work was only delayed. Montero announced that construction of […]

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Peruvian Figures Show 27 Tourists Die Due to Cold, Snow Conditions

According to Peru21.pe from 2010 until the present 27 tourists have died and 21 have been wounded in Peru when participating in alpine activities in mountainous areas. The chief of the Rescue Unit of the High Mountain Division of National Police, Marco Carrera Torres says the most resent cases in 2011 were that of the […]

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Peru: ‘Safe Passage’ Safety Plan Launched for Upcoming Independence Day

According to Peru21.pe the Superintendent of Ground Transportation of Persons, Cargo and Merchants (Sutran) launched the operation plan “Safe Travels for National Independence Festivities 2011” today, Tuesday, July 26th to prevent traffic accidents during the long Independence Day celebrations. Officials say principle supervision and control will be at major bus terminals and highways in Peru. […]

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Machu Picchu, Peru: 400 More Tourists Able to Enter Per Day

According to DiarioCorreo.pe after tourists were outraged about the restricted entry into Machu Picchu, officials of the Regional Directorate of Culture in Cusco have decided to allow 400 more tourists to enter the site per day through a new access route. As of Monday, July 25th the limit of visitors to Machu Picchu was raised […]

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Estimate 3 million tourists in Uruguay this year

Uruguay is estimated to receive 3 million tourists by the end of the year, making the tourism industry one of the largest contributors to the national economy, reports elobservador.com.uy. These 3 million visitors are estimated to boost tourism revenue to $2,000 million by the end of 2011 and are already generating thousands of new jobs. […]

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Otavalo, Ecuador: 10,000 Tourists Arrive in July

According to ElNorte.ec tourism in Otavalo has increase significantly in the month of July, where authorities say about 10,000 tourists have made their way to the Plaza de Ponchos and other popular tourist sites in Otavalo. Officials say in previous years the tourist season picked up in August, but this year July seems to have […]

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Peru: Tourists Who Haven’t Purchased Online Tickets Cannot Enter Machu Picchu

According to RPP.com.pe the Regional Director of Culture, Juan Julio Garcia Rivas says the availability of tickets is not their responsibility and that all ticket sales for Machu Picchu have to be made online or through an authorized ticket agency. Rivas says tourists that were not able to enter Machu Picchu in the last couple […]

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Colombian Minister of Commerce Feels U.S. Travel Warning Won’t Affect Colombian Tourism

•Colombian Minister of Commerce, Serio Díaz-Granados, does not feel that the U.S. travel warning to Colombia will affect Colombian tourism. •Díaz-Granados states that this is not recent affair and that the warning comes from the few regions in which there is still public disorder per rcnradio.com. •Although he admits that the warning limits growth in […]

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Ecuador: Alcohol Prohibition Continues for 72 Hours in Los Rios

According to ElComercio.com the Ecuadorian government is extending the ‘Dry Law’ in the province of Los Rios. Officials say the law will be extended for an additional 72 hours, until Saturday, in the province where 20 people have died from altered liquor. Health authorities in Guayas province confirmed that another fatality occurred in the province […]

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Machu Picchu: Tourists Upset With New Restriction 2,500 Visitors Per Day

According to Peru21.pe tourists are upset about the possible closure and new limitation of 2,500 visitors per day for the Incan site of Machu Picchu. The Regional Directorate of Culture in Cusco announced the number of visitors allowed into Machu Picchu is restricted to 2,500 per day. Officials say more than 300 tourists expressed anger […]

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Ecuador’s Vice-Minister of Security, Criminal Background Checks for Permanent Visas

ElComercio.com reports the Ecuadorian vice-Minister of Security, Xavier Berrezueta announced this morning, Wednesday July 20th that foreigners applying for Ecuador’s permanent visas will have to undergo criminal background checks. The vice-Minister says the new rule began today, as well as revisions of current visas. Also, Berrezueta announced foreigners marrying in Ecuador would need to stay […]

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Devastated Villa La Angostura, Argentina recovers from Puyehue eruption

The town of Villa La Angostura is slowly recovering its daily life and main source of income, tourism, after being declared a disaster zone in the wake of ash storms from Chilean volcano, Puyehue. Cronista.com reports that 67 hotels have reopened, 50% of sightseeing tours are available, 7 surrounding lakes are open and common tourist […]

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Guatemala, August festivities hope to increase tourism

Committees of self-management tourism (CAT), optimistically wait for a boost in tourism this fall to meet expectations of the Guatemalan Institute of tourism (Inguat), inform PrensaLibre.com. Inguat is expecting around 35 thousand Salvadorians for the Savior of the World festivities, which prompted the preparation of several promotions. CAT hopes that the sudden increase in tourism […]

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Peruvian Ashaninka Indian Confesses To The Murder of Two Polish Tourists

According to ElComercio.pe Roger Mauricio Ruiz, a native Ashaninka Indian, told police that he shot the two Polish tourists found murdered in the Ucayali River this past May. Ruiz says he wanted to steal their belongings, so he and his nephew, Freddy Ruiz Garcia shot the two tourists, Jawoslaw Franckiewicz and Celima Moroz as they […]

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Mexico: “Pirate” Guides Mug Tourist

A woman visiting León, Guanajuato from Sinaloa was assaulted by “pirate” guides, who she hired in the bus station to take her on a tour of the city and state capital, Correo Guanajuato reports. The “guides” took her through the capital, then forcefully threw her from their truck in a tunnel and took off with […]

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River rafting suspended for tourists this winter in Mendoza, Argentina

Tourists in San Rafael, Mendoza this season will be missing out on one of the classic winter activities for the area: rafting down the Atuel River. According to losandes.com.ar, tourism providers did not get court approval to suspend the water restrictions placed on the river this year, and as a result, there is just not […]

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Best child-friendly winter activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

No matter where you’re traveling to Buenos Aires from, if you’re traveling with kids be sure to check out lanacion.com’s recommendations for the best winter-friendly family entertainment in the city. You can go see the stars of Cantando con Adriana or the children’s singing sensation Topa and Muni at the Metropolitan Theater on Corrientes for […]

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Peruvian Food Tourism, Learn About Peruvian Cuisine

According to ElComercio.pe many tourists in Peru are deciding to experience the cuisine of Peru on specialty food tours. Tourists are able to visit popular local markets in Lima and participate in preparation of ceviches and pisco sours. The cuisine tour operator, Culinary Tours, takes tourists through the Surquillo Market were they get to see […]

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Cusco, Peru: Associations Aim to Protect Reputation of Pisco Sour

ElComercio.pe reports that many Peruvian restaurants are offering free pisco sours in order to attract customers. However, these piscos are causing the reputation of Peru’s national drink to suffer since they are usually made with the pisco alcohol and use poor quality ingredients. In Cusco, where the drinks reputation is suffering, the Regulatory Council of […]

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Trujillo, Peru: Tourism Police Begin Courses in English

According to LaIndustria.pe the director of the Division of Tourism and Environmental Protection, Edwin Jorge Gutierrez informed journalists of the La Industria newspaper that 18 branches of this department have begun English courses. This new training began after the Division received many complaints from tourists who said that the officers could not understand them, reports […]

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Mexico City Department of Tourism Campaigns for Second Airport

The Mexico City Department of Tourism met with the Department of Communication and Transportation to request the construction of a new airport in the country’s capital or to at least add two new runways to the existing airport, El Universal reports. The Department of Tourism says there is increasing interest from airlines wishing to add […]

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Quito, Ecuador: Teleferico Complex Left With 7 Businesses, Had 80

According to ElComercio.com the Teleferico Complex opened in May 2005 with 80 business including restaurants, fast food chains, ice cream parlors, souvenir shops, a nightclub and an amusement park. However, in 2011 the complex is left with seven open businesses. Juan Pablo Hidalgo, marketing manager for Vulcano Park and Prostatus Company says that food marketing […]

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Machu Picchu Centennial Celebration, 45% Tourists are U.S.

According to Peru21.pe the owner of Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, cable company Cable Andina says that in the days leading up to and during the centennial celebration, 45% of hotel reservations in Aguas Calientes are United States tourists. The managing director of Andina says that other tourists are from Australia, Spain, England, and Japan. These […]

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Bariloche, Argentina declared disaster zone from Puyehue ash

The mayor of Bariloche, Marcelo Cascón, declared the area an economic and social disaster zone due to damage and suffering caused by ash from Chilean volcano, Puyehue, according to periodismo.com. The city has already exceeded losses of 600 million pesos and cancelled elections originally scheduled for September 4. As the volcano continues to be active […]

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Boat Sinks In Galapagos, Four Days of Clean-Up

According to ElUniverso.com last Thursday the vessel, San Juan III, sunk around 2 p.m. in the harbor of Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. The owner was transferring fuel from one boat to another and the ship became unbalanced and overturned. Within five minutes the boat sank spilling about 700 gallons of diesel. Officials say there were […]

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Tourism in Argentina up 12.8%

Tourism in Argentina during the first trimester of 2011 has gone up 12.8% since last year, according to prensalibre.com. The Argentine Department of Tourism reported that 1.7 million tourists visited the country in the first three months of the year and spent around 1500 million pesos ($368.9 million). More than half of the tourists came […]

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Argentina, launch “Mendoza, nothing higher” tourism campaign ad

The Department of Tourism in Mendoza has launched a new campaign ad featuring the slogan “Mendoza, nothing higher,” referring to the Aconcagua mountain located in the province which has the highest peak in the Americas, according to diariouno.com. The new slogan will be used for the first time on July 11 during the Copa America […]

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Argentina, Dine for 50 pesos or less at 15 Buenos Aires restaurants

Reporters from conexionbrando.com find 15 restaurants in Buenos Aires Federal Capital where you can eat for less than 50 pesos. Ranging from cafe classics like coffee with milk accompanied by a warm croissant at Le Blé in Chacarita to jazzed up French cuisine at Le Bistrot de la Alianza Francesa downtown. Or try a more […]

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Argentine tourism endures $100 million losses from Puyehue

Argentina has felt the greatest impact from the Chilean volcano, Puyehue, as the largest portion of ash has fallen in southwest cities and provinces in the country, according to df.cl. The tourism industry in the area has been hit the hardest and tourism operators in places like Bariloche estimate a loss of $100 million of […]

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U.S. map labels Zacatecas, Mexico as very dangerous for tourists

U.S. security authorities and businesses are warning travelers to avoid the Mexican states of Sonora, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí, Jalisco and Nayarit. Many online sources, including Samuel Logan’s “Traveler Safety in Mexico” map, outline the most high-risk locations for U.S. tourists. This map indicates that half of the territory of Zacatecas is unsafe due to […]

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Ministry of Tourism aims to eliminate black tourism in Mexico City

As reported by Excelsior, Mexico City’s Ministry of Tourism sent a formal request to Global Exchange Reality Tours to discontinue their “extreme” tourist excursions. Global Exchange Reality Tours’ recent excursions take place in Mexico City’s most dangerous neighborhoods, where clients are exposed to pirated and black market merchandise, alleys of young prostitutes and altars honoring […]

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Argentina, Gay tourism 17.8% in 2010

According to a report by the Instituto de Promoción Turística de Argentina, the country had 5 million tourists in 2010, 17.8% of which were members of the homosexual community, per finanzas.com. This data has triggered a signed agreement between the Instituto and the Gay Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (Ccglar) to transform the country into a […]

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Six-star hotel to be built in Puerto Madero, Argentina

The Department of National Tourism confirmed that construction will begin on June 1 for the first 6-star hotel in South America. The luxury hotel will be part of the Mansions of the World chain owned by the investment group Vedanta, who predicts the project will cost close to $75 million. According to tiempo.elargentino.com, the hotel […]

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