May 17 – Both Brazil and Argentina want more Arab tourists in order to broaden trade and tourism with South America, it was learnt on Sunday.
In a workshop held on Saturday at the Marriott Hotel in Doha, trade and tourism representatives from both South American countries said that Qataris should consider Brazil and Argentina as potential holidaying spots. In fact, this will increase once Qatar Airways launches its Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires routes from June 24.
“From 2003 to 2009, trade between Brazil and Qatar increased 580 per cent. Our goal today is to make this great proximity with South America a reality also in the tourism sector,” said Luiz Barretto, the Brazilian minister of tourism.
“The introduction of the flight to Sao Paulo, which is the main financial and economic capital of Brazil, is a great opportunity for the establishment of a constant flow of tourists for leisure and business across our two continents”.
Meanwhile, Leonardo Boto, Executive Manager, Argentina National Institute of Tourism Promotion, pointed out that the Arab world shared a common bond with Argentina given the result of massive immigration to the same in the last century. “We are familiar with the Arab culture, and now want you to make Argentina your home as many others from this region have. We welcome Qatar Airways and we will work to make the new connections, the new friendships and opportunities as successful as possible,” he said.
Presentations during the workshop included the unique tourist opportunities available in both countries.
