Global Perspective
Our global columnists look at how sporting events like the Olympics and World Cup can drive change for onboard services, with Russia and Brazil improving their air and rail networks; plus Japanese economics and Gulf States innovation
CHRISTOPHER PICKARD Chairman, Latin America Travel Association
BRAZIL A QUESTION OF SPORT In just over a year Brazil will host the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In a little over three years the city of Rio de Janeiro will be hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic games. Brazil hardly has time to catch its breath, and it is all hands to the pumps as it continues the race against time to get the infrastructure in place needed to host the world’s two largest and most high-profile sporting events.
Despite the naysayers, it looks as if the six World Cup stadiums will all be ready in time for this year’s Confederations Cup, while the other six World Cup venues are on-track
(construction-wise) to be ready in time for 2014.
Unfortunately the promised privatisation of the airports has not gone quite as smoothly, and improvements to the main gateways of São Paulo and Rio may only be cosmetic, at best, prior to the World Cup. However, São Paulo’s new owners (Invepar, Airports Company South Africa and Infraero) still promise to have a new terminal, that can handle 12 million extra passengers, fully operational in time for 2014.
In terms of air transportation it may be Brazil’s regional airports that save the day come the World Cup. Many of these airports, such as Fortaleza,
Salvador and Recife (the nearest to Europe) are modern, do not have capacity issues, and can handle the largest aircraft.
So if England’s opening game, assuming they qualify, is in Belo Horizonte, it will make sense to fly the fans direct to Belo rather than hub them over the already crowded airports in São Paulo and Rio that will still have to handle the normal international and domestic air traffic. Serious improvements need to be seen at Rio’s international airport prior to the Olympics. Yet learning from London, Rio has the space to construct temporary terminals to handle the increased traffic. Not ideal, but not a disaster.
EUROPE ON THE RAILS
TINA ANDREASSON Owning partner & commercial director, Castello Monte Vibiano Food & Services, Italy
If you’re up for trying something different I would recommend a train trip in Russia. The change of economic climate in Russia is affecting the growth of its rail services and the programme to develop high-speed rail travel is in full swing for 2020.
This programme is designed to significantly reduce train travel time and increase comfort. The development of fast travel will take part around the capital, far east on the Volga and in the south of Russia. Part of the project is a new fast link between Moscow and Winter Olympics 2014 city, Sochi. The Olympic and Paralympic Games are catalysts and a major stimulus in the development of the the city and the region beyond, and Russian Railways is playing a key role in creating a modern transport infrastructure.
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Despite the fact that most of the construction is being done in mountainous areas, where difficult engineering and geological situation prevail, 12 tunnels with a length of 30km have already been built. As most of the construction runs through Sochi National Park, bridges and flyovers are being built in order to preserve the park’s unique landscape. Overall there will be 71
having to make any extra effort. Make sure you have your passports and documents ready and at hand as there’s a lot of checking and re-checking before boarding but once you're onboard, you will soon be aware of the Provodnitsa, or carriage attendant – the person you should contact if any problems occur. Don’t provoke her by bringing your own alcohol, as you really won't
" The change of economic climate in Russia is affecting the growth of its rail services and the programme to develop high-speed rail travel is in full swing for 2020."
bridges and flyovers totalling 38km in length.
Perhaps the main reason I'm recommending a trip on Russian railways is because it is so different from my usual travel environment. The experience allows you to be immersed in Russian culture without
want her to find any reason to leave you at a small station in the middle of nowhere! Happily there’s usually a samovar in each train carriage for hot water and soups, as tea and food on trains is a long standing Russian tradition. Just be careful as the water is really hot!
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