Rio de Janeiro could host 73 sporting events

On Tuesday, 31 January, Rio de Janeiro mayor's office in partnership with the Rio Convention & Visitors Bureau (Rio CVB/Visit Rio) unveiled a map of Rio's opportunities over the next ten years. The report lists 73 world-class tournaments that the city is ready to host.

Rio CVB/Visit Rio is a non-profit foundation organised to promote tourism and congresses and events in Rio.

The study took into account criteria such as tourist appeal, availability of existing areas, popularity and socio-economic significance.

Rio CVB/VisitRio estimates that if Rio de Janeiro manages to attract the top ten events on this list, local economic activity will increase by about R$15 billion (about $3 million) over ten years.

"Today, Rio has a number of sports facilities that allow us to host major events here that can have a fantastic economic impact on the city," said Mayor Eduardo Paes.

The survey identified events of global significance. It includes the world championships in basketball, volleyball, equestrian, cycling, women's football and athletics for men and women, as well as the Pan American Games and the Presidents Cup (golf).

Rio CVB/VisitRio president Carlos Vernek stressed that the investment in infrastructure made by the city for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games played a crucial role in preparing for the study. He stressed that this legacy would significantly reduce the investment required for new events.

"The investment required to host sporting events in Brazil is small compared to what has already been invested in human capital training and the construction of stadiums, arenas, airports and all the physical infrastructure we have today. Our idea is to move into this niche and explore the city's full potential," said Vernek.

In addition to the physical infrastructure, the World Cup and the Olympics have raised staff skills to international standards, according to the mayor's office. At the Qatar World Cup, for example, 350 Brazilians worked to organise the tournament, as reported by Rede TV!, a partner of TV BRICS.

Photo: istockphoto.com