São Paulo – Rio de Janeiro was the last stop of the Destination Brazil lorry. The project, promoted by the Cia do Turismo Institute, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism (MTur), travelled 18 cities in seven states in Brazil, taking to Brazilians the opportunity of appreciating and being enchanted with the beauties of the country. Over 32,000 people visited the lorry, which also offered training to 700 service providers in the tourism sector.
The kick-off was in March, in Rio Grande do Sul. The lorry then travelled Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, the Federal District and, finally, Rio de Janeiro. Adventure destinations, beaches and sun, curiosities, gastronomy and fun for the holidays were included in the programme of the lorry that promoted 65 Brazilian destinations.
“The result of the project was very positive and we had excellent return, both from service providers and from the public in general,” pointed out the general coordinator for events at the National Secretariat of Tourism Policies (SNPTur), Jurema Monteiro.
Apart from that, according to her, through presentations businessmen in the sector received guidance regarding being included in the MTur’s record of tourist service providers, Cadastur. “On registering in the Cadastur, apart from the provider becoming legal, he may expand his visibility on the market and participate in programs offered by the Federal Government,” he said.
The lorry, 13.5 metres long, includes an adapted cinema with 36 seats, where a 3D movie about the life experience based on tourism, and a lounge with eight interactive touch-sensitive screens, with audio and images of 65 Brazilian destinations. Technological tools like Twitter and e-mails allow users to “take home” a little of Destination Brazil.
Apart from visiting the lorry, interacting and watching the 3D movie, visitors also had the opportunity to participate in a cultural competition. Participation required making a 30 second video about their favourite destination and explaining why the participant deserved a trip there. The visitor could produce his video at the support tent, alongside the lorry, or could shoot it at home and post it on the site. The result of the competition will be announced in the second half of July and a new tour by the lorry may take place in 2011.
*Translated by Mark Ament
