Understanding Cultural Diversity and Tourism in Brazil

The provided content includes a collection of academic articles and online resources related to tourism development in Brazil. The topics covered include ecotourism, cultural diversity, mega-events, and the impact of tourism on local communities. The articles discuss both positive and negative aspects of tourism development, such as its potential to promote cultural preservation and economic growth, while also highlighting concerns about environmental degradation and social inequality.

Running head: ANALYSIS OF A DESTINATION- BRAZIL
Analysis of a destination- Brazil
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note

1ANALYSIS OF A DESTINATION- BRAZIL
Introduction
The following assignment deals with the analysis of a famous tourist destination. The
place, that is selected here, is Brazil. It will prove the importance of Brazil as a tourist spot.
Brazil is developing in tourism and the Government is focusing on the growth by offering
expenditures as much as possible. The project starts with a map of Brazil and gradually
focuses on the various aspects of Brazil tourism including Brazilian society and its diversity,
attractions of Brazil, Carnival of Rio, importance of Iguacu falls as tourist spot and mega-
events in Brazil tourism. It also gives a view of ecotourism, inhabitants of favela and Pataxo,
a brochure of the tourist spots, gastronomic experiences and availability of transports and
accommodation for tourists. Brazil is the most visited country in South America and has
earned its place among the best tourist countries in the world. The conclusion will be a
justification of the report as it establishes Brazil as one of the famous tourist spots of the
world.

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Figure 1.Map of Brazil.
Source: Worldatlas.com (2017).

3ANALYSIS OF A DESTINATION- BRAZIL
Discussion
Brazilian Society:
Brazil possesses a creative diversity (Unesco.org 2017). People from different culture
and lifestyle dwell here. Brazil has inhabitants of all shapes and colors that add diversity in
society. Migrants from Europe and Africa have raised the population that is about 190 million
(Meyer 2017). Brazilians are friendly in manner and they accept the tourists over the world
gladly. The population of Brazil includes Portuguese, African, Germans, Poles, Italians,
Spaniards and Nipponic. Ethnic diversity in a country has far-reaching effects on economic
development (Ahlerup and Olsson 2012). Sao Paulo is one of the major industrial centers. It
produces iron, tin, gold, manganese and exports steel. Brazilian coffee is famous and a large
amount of wealth comes from it. The large industrial sector offers employment to the
Brazilians and it has options like automobiles and aircrafts. Brazil is financially strong and
people from other countries get opportunities in job field. Brazilians have values for their
community and religion and such diversity has attracted many people to step into Brazil and
make it one of the popular tourist spots in the world.
Brazil as a Tourist Spot:
The creation of the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism in 2003 is the evidence that the
Government has identified Brazil as a major tourist destination (De Araujo and Dredge
2012). The main natural spots, which attract tourist most, are The Amazon River and the
Amazon Jungle. People, who are fond of animals and natural views, often get attracted to The
Amazon and step into here. Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are the two major cities, which are

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popular as tourist destinations. Sao Paulo offers various spots for the tourists among which
Sao Paulo Museum of Art, Ibirapuera Park, Sao Paulo Cathedral, Pinacoteca do Estado de
Sao Paulo, Botanical Garden, Theatro Municipal are mostly visited. Sao Paulo is the first
place to be inhibited by Portuguese and the historical context of this city attracts visitors
widely. Rio de Janeiro is culturally diversified and attracts people for decades. Waves of
Prainha, dense rainforests of Tijuca, beauty of Ipanema beach, the statue of Christ the
Redeemer and the view from Sugarloaf Mountain fascinate visitors over the world. This city
was one of the cities to host 2014 FIFA World Cup that welcomes millions of people for an
international sport event (Fifa.com 2017).
Carnival of Rio de Janeiro:
Brazil is famous for its Carnival arranged in Rio de Janeiro. Rio Carnival is a
celebration of five days that takes place in February, the summer season in Brazil. It is
performed to reduce the bodily pleasures, which provide parade and ball nights. Samba is
used as the music here and the Samba Schools play a vital part in it. Corado do Bola Preta,
Carmelitas, Sovaco do Cristo are some of famous bands to participate in Carnival. Carvinal
of Rio is not only a source of entertainment but also a measurement of cultural diversity in
Brazil (Rio-carnival.net 2017). It was the Portuguese community who introduced this
carnival in Rio and people from different cultures participate in it. Favelas, a poor
neighborhood, join the festival and add color to it every year. Carnival of Rio abolishes all
the boundaries and inequalities in Brazil. Tourists attend this festival every year and they are
attached to it. Pre-booking for hotels and flights are available. This Carnival adds an extra
glory to the history of tourism in Brazil.
Iguacu Falls in Brazil:
Iguacu Falls is one of the natural wonders of the universe.275 individual drops
assimilated in this falls and enchanted people from everywhere (Meyer 2017). This falls

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stands as a boundary wall between Brazil and Argentina and serves as a geographical
structure of South America. The width of this falls is 2.7kilometres and the height is between
60-80metres. Iguacu is taller and wider than Niagara Falls. Devil’s Throat, from where the
water comes, is 150 meters wide and 700 meters long. The meaning of Iguacu is big water
and both European and Spanish Conquistador explore it. Visitors from many places come to
view the beauty of Iguacu Falls, mainly during spring or autumn. In order to have a clear
view, special pathway is built around the falls. Facility as if helicopter ride is there that offers
an undisturbed fascinating view of the Iguacu. The visitors can book their seats in buses,
which are allocated to travel the site in advance. The Government has assured all the possible
advantagesthat result in growing number of travelers.
Rio Carnival and Copacabana Beach as Tourist Attraction:
Brazil organizes annual Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and it has attracted many people to
come and join it. The Samba schools in Rio participate in this carnival and add color to it.
Some of them are Beija-Flor, Mangueira, Mocidade, Portela, Salgueiro, Sao Clemente, Uniao
Da Ilha, Unidos Da Tijuca and Vila Isabel(Rio-carnival.net 2017). Most of them are very old
Samba schools of Rio and look traditional while performing. The schools are famous for
using color and creative equipments. Some of them have their traditional symbols like Eagle,
Fire and Humming Bird. The color and variety of the festival fascinates the tourists most.
Brazil has many sea beaches among which Copacabana is famous for its energetic
atmosphere. The beach runs almost 4km and it is one of the beautiful sea beaches in the
world. The beach provides hotels, restaurants, music and sports for the visitors and
November-March remain the busiest time for it (Meyer 2017).In the carnival of 2017, some
people meet accident and are injured due to an out-of-control truck (Heraldlive.co.za 2017). It
arises controversy for sometime though the popularity of Carnival overcomes the hurdles and
remains glorious as well.

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Mega-events in Brazil:
Brazil has organized many events among which the Pan America Games, and the
FIFA World Cup 2014 in Rio de Janeirobecome headlines (Maiello and Pasquinelli 2015).
These mega-events have developed a major portion of the economy in Brazil. These events
are remarkable in the history of Brazil. People across the globe join the events and the
Government has earned billions through railways, airports and highways. The media agencies
get benefits from covering the events and telecasting those worldwide. Tourism in Brazil is
developing and these events offer more options for the visitors to roam around the cities and
its spots. In case of a tourist country, mega events may affect the tourism section (Mills and
Rosentraub 2013). The huge crowd gathering for the events may affect people, who come to
visit tourist spots only. The congestion causes issues with transportation and traffic. The
regular tourists are attracted to the events and follow to join it. It creates an adverse impact on
the tourism department.
Ecotourism Attractions:
Ecotourism is another name for nature tourism. It is a strategy employed to conserve
nature and promote sustainable development as well as providing benefits to the nature-
seeking tourists and local communities (PegasandCastley 2014). Brazil is rich in flora and
fauna and one can enjoy nature at its purest form in Brazil. There are innumerable kinds of
ecotourism attractions in Brazil. Firstly, Amazon rainforest, world’s largest rainforest, allows
tourist from worldwide to explore the vast landscape and its unparalleled biodiversity. It
includes two national parks such as Tapajos and Pico da Neblina National Park that attract
tourists for hiking activities, birdwatching, and fauna diversity. Pataxo people are famous for
making hiking trails in the forests that have attracted tourists to enjoy the nature along with
the authentic culture of the ethnic groups. Other ecotourism location includes Pantanal, which
is one of the largest wetlands that are rich in exotic species and wildlife. Cerrado is

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recognized as the world’s richest savanna and one of the ancient ecosystems of Brazil
(PegasandCastley 2014).
Ecotourism is emerging as one of the important source of income for many people in
Brazil due to its impeccable biodiversity. It not only helps in preserving the biodiversity and
wildlife but is also a boon for the local communities as it generates employment opportunities
and income. However, much of the revenue generated through ecotourism goes to the
ecotourism corporations, preventing local people of any benefit (Coria andCalfucura 2012).
In order to develop ecotourism, many region is undergoing infrastructure development and
urbanization, thus, rendering people homeless and in poverty.
Motivations and Impacts of Amazon’s Ethnic Groups:
The development of favela as a tourist attraction place dates back to 1990s. Before the
development of tourism, favela was considered culturally inferior region as it was linked with
crimes such as drug trafficking and brutality. Nowadays, tourists are attracted towards the
living style of favela dwellers of Rio de Janeiro, which is very different from the tourist
lifestyle. Favela provides authentic cultural experiences. Favela dwellers are culturally rich
ethnic groups and many cultures such as street art, samba, and hip-hop attract tourists to visit
favela (Frisch 2012).
The kayapo people are known as the guardian of the Amazon jungle. They are one of
the oldest Indian tribe residing in the Amazon jungle and have been protecting the Jungle
from the grips of Technology, modern hood, hunting as well as mining. In 1989 they have
earned a worldwide recognition as a result of their precedents setting victory which they have
acquired when they became successful in halting a large hydroelectric project that would
have destroyed their land. The Tourist usually get attracted by the way of their lifestyle as
well as the different beliefs that they Harbour within their traditions. All this makes them

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interesting individuals which people all over the world want to see once in their life. The
kayapo people usually utilizes black body paint all over their body as the belief that their
ancestors have learnt their social skills from different types of insects and therefore they also
paint their bodies in such a way so that they can mimic them. They also paint their legs red so
that it does rub off with the surrounding terrain. Their history of fight with the different
Enemies who wanted to capture their land also make tourist attracted towards their
destination
In case of favela dwellers, much of the economic benefit by tourism is borne by the
tour operators. Language difference is a drawback for the local people as it prevents the local
people to interact with the tourists. Tourist operators also help kayapo similarly. They were
never fond of outside people on their land. However with the passing of time they have
become much cordial towards tourists. This is mainly due to the help that the government has
provided towards them in providing long term funding for guarding their land. They mainly
follow sustainable economic activities such as transforming non Timber forest goods into
consumer goods, harvesting, transporting and processing of nuts and many others which have
given them a proper livelihood. The Tourists who visit this land are often accompanied by
kayapos who help the tourist to learn about different medicinal plants that they often use in
their own life. They also help the tourist by making them learn how they hunt and also live it
in the forest. Nowadays motorized canoes and kayaks are used within this jungle area by
tourist people with the help of the tourism industry as well as the kayapo people. This tribal
people has been in contact with the outside society since only a few decades and therefore
they are still in the learning process about negotiating with the new realities of a capitalist
society. External supports are now on helping the people to get accustomed with tourists.
They are also helping them to understand and thereby deal with the modern society. This

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external support is also helping them to be empowered and to continue to protect their land
against invaders from different types of ranchers, miners and loggers.
Gastronomic Experiences:
Each country is known for its gastronomic uniqueness. The gastronomy of a place
helps to understand the cultural diversity within a country as well as the footprints left by the
other immigrants. Apart from providing natural beauty and varieties of outdoor activities, the
cuisine of Brazil has always attracted tourists owing to its uniqueness and variety. The
cuisine of Brazil differs between each region. This is due to the cultural diversity in Brazil.
Feijoada is a universal food and plays a central role in the cuisine of Brazil. The native people
inhabiting the region influence the cuisine in different region. For example, manioc is the
staple food found in North Brazil, as the Amerindian tribes mainly inhabit it. Some of the
unique food provided to the tourist includes pirão, farofa, manioc found in North Brazil.
Tourists can experience mixture of African and Portuguese cuisines in Bahia region of Brazil.
The northeast Brazil provides foods such as coconut milk, okra, beans, palm oil, and
moqueca, which indicate the influence of African culture. Southern region of Brazil is
influenced by Argentina cuisine. Hence, cultural diversity is observed in the gastronomy of
Brazil (e Lima 2012). Apart from different varieties of food, each place has its unique style of
preparing food such as manioc, feijoada, polenta, and many others. Brazil is a country of
cultural diversity where tourists can experience flavours of different countries in its cuisine.
Transport System in Brazil:
Transport provision is a key function in the development of tourism (Lohmann and
Pearce 2012). Brazil provides various opportunities to the tourists in transport system.
Domestic flights, long distance buses, cars, trains and boats, urban transports like metro, bus,

10ANALYSIS OF A DESTINATION- BRAZIL
taxi all are available here. Brazil is a large country and it has many airports domestically and
internationally. The bus journey is also comfortable here and it is expanded all over the
country and outside. Public companies own the buses and the cities have sufficient bus
terminals. Car renting system is here beside private car and many companies provide the
facility to the local people as well the tourists. Brazil needs to improve its train system so that
tourists can enjoy the scenic beauty while travelling. The Brazilian Government is trying to
give the best infrastructure to it (Dias et al. 2015). Tourists are provided cruise between
Santos and Salvador. Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have metro railway system that is easier
to follow than the buses. Metros are available at night also during Rio Carnival. Tourists can
afford taxis within the cities and it makes the journey quite comfortable.
Accommodation for Tourists:
Brazil provides good accommodation for the tourists. Rio de Janeiro has expensive
hotels than other small countries. ZonaSul, Leblon are the places where people like to stay
during Rio Carnival. Sao Paulo has 12000 restaurants, pubs and clubs to provide comforts to
the visitors (Meyer 2017). The accommodation in Brazil includes hotels, pousadas,
backpackers hostels, campings, aparthotels, resorts, motels and jungle lodgings. The hotels
come in various prices and ranges. The most luxurious guesthouses in Brazil are pousadas
and it is famous in foreign travelers. Hostels are available in Brazil for young people and it
has facilities like dormitories. Campings are not very fascinating among Brazilians and it
offers an average quality of comfort. Aparthotels are like small apartments offering kitchens
also. Brazilians like the resorts most as it provides all the facilities under one roof. Sao Paulo
and Rio de Janeiro have a large number of resorts in their accommodation lists. Motels are
called love hotels and suitable for couples. In Amazon areas, there are some purpose built
lodges where tourists may spend nights. These lodges reveal the beauty of nature and known

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as jungle lodges. Brazil is growing fast in hotel network and it is almost 7% per year
(Luchiari and Serrano 2015).
Conclusion
This project helps to understand the growth and development of Brazil as a tourist
place. It is one-in-all destination for all the tourists. Tourists experience from the peace and
serenity of the nature to the bustling crowd of the carnival. It represents diversity in every
form. Sao Paulo attract tourist owing o its historical importance. Some places such as the
statue of Christ the Redeemer, Sao Paulo Museum of Art, Sao Paulo Cathedral, Pinacoteca do
Estado de Sao Paulo holds very important place in the history. Other places such as Amazon
rainforest and Bahia region attracts tourists for different activities such as hiking and promote
ecotourism. The different ethnic groups and their lifestyle have also attracted tourists from
worldwide. This project explains the development of tourism in Brazil and its importance for
the economic growth of the country. Brazilian government is playing an active role in the
growth of tourism by developing transport and accommodation facilities and meeting the
needs of the tourists. Apart from that, the project also provides a glimpse of the effect of the
tourism on the local people of Brazil. The project provides a complete analysis of the Brazil
from a tourist destination point of view. The different places to visit, the cuisine diversity, the
ethnic and cultural diversity, the effect of the immigrants on Brazil, the effect of mega-events
on Brazil, as well as the impact of tourism on the effect of tourism on the livelihood of local
people.

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