Brazil tourism boom about to hit

Brazil's tourism boom is about to hit - and hit big, according to Direct Travel Insurance.

The country has always been a popular travel destination, but with the 2016 Olympics on the horizon, the number of visitors is expected to soar. Indeed, the number of arrivals into the country is already on the up.

Last year, flights from European destinations jumped by 13.47 per cent compared to 2010, while flights from North America leapt by 16.28 per cent compared to 2011.

"The extensive work invested into improving infrastructure will ensure that Brazil is a much more attractive and accessible proposition for people considering a long-haul holiday," commented Marcelo Pedroso, director of international markets at the Brazilian Tourist Board Embratur.

"There is a great opportunity with the world's spotlight on Brazil in 2014 and 2016 to showcase all of the diverse and unique experiences our country has to offer."

And with £2.4 million lined up to invest in the Direct Flight Programme to bring more charter flights to locations across the country, Brazil is thinking big.

"We have set a target of welcoming ten million international visitors in the year 2020," added Pedroso. "We are well on track to meet this."