snow-packed summits – are Imax-worthy” MIKE MACEACHERAN VISITS THE ICY WILDERNESS OF THE YUKON, p62
Brazil paves way for ecotourism scheme
Ecotourism and national parks are to be a key plank of Brazil’s (LA250) bid to increase visitor numbers in the coming years. An agreement signed between the Ministries of Environment and Tourism, the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) and the Brazilian Institute of Tourism (Embratur) will focus on promotion of nature tourism as a way of conserving protected areas. Embratur will oversee international promotion of ecotourism destinations as well as studying good practices that can be applied in Brazil and other countries.
Brazil boasts 324 conservation areas covering 9% of its territory. Of these, 72 are national parks totalling
about 26 million hectares. Four national parks already have the partnership established: Iguassu Falls in Parana, the replanted forest of Tijuca and the mountains of Serra dos Orgaos in Rio de Janeiro, plus the Atlantic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha.
It’s hoped collaboration will attract visitors to new areas of Brazil, as the country’s tourism numbers have remained largely stagnant in the past few years.
Brazil saw 6.6 million visitors in 2017, just surpassing the 2016 total of 6.5 million, when the Olympics were held in Rio de Janeiro, and 2014’s 6.4 million, when the World Cup was held there.
Tete Bezerra, Embratur president,
said the country’s conservation areas had seen a 20% increase in visitor numbers in 2017. She added: “Brazil occupies the leading position in the World Travel and Tourism Council’s ranking for natural resources and national parks. The diversity of attractions these areas offer can have a positive impact on continuing to increase visitor numbers.”
Brazil enters 2019 with new flight options from Europe, including the strong prospect of a budget service from London from Norwegian Air.
Bezerra confirmed Norwegian had been authorized by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency to operate in the country, initially for routes to Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro “or possibly Ceara” in the north east, with state capital Fortaleza the most likely gateway there.
“The entry of companies with low-cost fares is fundamental to develop tourism in Brazil as it makes travel more affordable for everyone,” she said.
Brazil’s Iguazu Falls TOURISM BOOST
New airport boosts St Helena arrivals
The South Atlantic island of St Helena (AF459) has seen a 40% year-on-year increase in international arrivals since the opening of its new airport a year ago.
The British Overseas Territory, located 1,200 miles off the coast of south-west Africa, could only be reached by sea on the Royal Mail ship RMS St Helena before
the much-delayed start of commercial flights from the airport in October 2017.
South African regional airline Airlink has just announced a second weekly flight between Johannesburg and St Helena operating between December 2018 and April 2019, which will double capacity during the peak summer season.
Fortaleza became a new entry point from Europe with the start of flights in May from KLM and Air France subsidiary Joon. Bezerra said it was “likely” that Air Europa would announce a service to the city from Madrid in 2019.
The airport has cost the UK government an estimated £285 million, and there were fears it would never become operational due to wind shear making it dangerous for larger aircraft to land. St Helena Tourism will be promoting the island’s natural attractions, including whale- watching, hiking and diving, at WTM London, as well as its historic Napoleonic sites, where visitors can retrace the French emperor’s steps after he was exiled to the island in 1815 after losing the Battle of Waterloo, and visit his original tomb.
“The visual thrills – gargantuan ice fields and 60
SECONDS WITH...
ENRIQUE YBARRA
President and chief executive, City Sightseeing (TA100)
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP DESTINATIONS FOR 2018/19? It’s diffi cult for us to single out locations, as we are present in more than 100 destinations around the globe. Firstly, I would say Dubai, where we celebrated our Annual Conference in May. The emirate is always surprising, has amazing attractions and is currently working on Expo 2020. On the other hand, Budapest is experiencing signifi cant growth and is a lovely city you should visit at least once in your life. Finally, in 2019, you have to visit Seville in Spain – the city is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the birth of baroque artist Murillo.
WHAT NEW INITIATIVES ARE IN THE PIPELINE? As the City Sightseeing brand is more recognised and present in the world’s top destinations, our expansion is focused on Asia and taking advantage of opportunities in smaller cities to showcase hidden gems. That’s part of the reason we launched City Sightseeing Sarajevo in May. Stunning new operations are about to open, but we cannot give any hints until the inauguration ceremony dates are set.
WHICH MARKETS WILL YOU TARGET IN 2019? Our goal is to expand the City Sightseeing brand in south-east Asia. Of course, we will continue opening in Europe and America, but as the greatest growth is happening in Asia, we need to spread our international network in that region.
To get today’s news from WTM London, make sure you sign up for our email news alerts at
ttgmedia.com/newsletters 05.11.2018
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