Brazil is preparing for increase in cruise passengers after an investment of 68 million dollars in the terminals for the upcoming World Cup and the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The investment by the Brazilian government in northeastern passenger terminals include 10 million in Salvador, Fortaleza 42 million and 16 million in Natal.
The marine services provider Inchcape Shipping Services believes that the new infrastructure will increase the opportunities for cruises ships to reach other ports. ISS said: "Local cruise companies in the region are experiencing growth. This is due to increased demand for the Brazilians, and an increase in the number of luxury long distance voyages, for further growth in Brazil to host the 2014 World Cup and the Olympics in 2016. "
He added that the infrastructure of the port of Natal is currently inadequate for passengers, resulting in additional cruise arrivals to alternative ports, such as Maceio. The new passenger terminal in Natal offer a better cruise destination and assist in the development of new cruise packages, ISS said.
The Brazilian cruise market attracted a record 805,000 passengers in the 2011-2012 season, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Santos and Rio de Janeiro are the largest shipping ports in Brazil. Buzios, Ilhabela and El Salvador are other main ports of call. The operations manager for South America ISS Francisco Villagran said: "This major investment in Brazil demonstrates its confidence in the cruise market and the country is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination." We are looking forward to maximizing the opportunities offered by new passenger terminals.
