Rio de Janeiro is not the same ‘Marvelous City’ of samba, Bossa nova and the “Gal from Ipanema “which I knew when I first arrived in this supposedly tropical paradise in the 1970s.
I was therefore a bit surprised when I arrived in an Uber taxi (–afraid to take a bus and fearing to be crushed in the Metro at my advanced age—)at Presidente Vargas 62 (near the Candelaria Cathedral) for the inauguration of the World Tourism Agency (OMT) locally for the region of the Americas and CARRIBEAN.
On this same day in fear of a wave of robberies I had re-activated an old cellphone (minus my bank details and other important intimacies) to carry on the dangerous streets of Rio de Janeiro.
Also on this historic day,16 December 2023, not too far (President Vargas Avenue 62, downtown Rio, near the Candelaria Cathedral) as a United Nations-backed entity for promoting tourism in Rio and Brazil opened, police had arrested nearby a few hours earlier a potential vicious group of bank robbers.
As I rushed over to the building on a day which seemed to be 40 c or over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade, a group of mostly male VIPS dressed in suits and ties were greeting each other effusively.
Meanwhile a mini ‘school’ of samba dancers, a percussion bum-bumbing away and a “King” of the samba school conducting the scintillating music associated with Marvelous City greeted us.
Among other authorities on and for this great event was the Brazil´s Embratur, or International Tourism Promotion Minister Marcelo Freixo and s Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino.
(The latter had recently entered President LULA´S cabinet in order to fulfill the demands of the opposition party, whom the President wished to appease.)
“The opening of this office will mark a new moment for tourism in South America and especially for Brazil, with plans by qualified persons in tourism, the discovery and promotion of new destinations in Brazil and new touristic routes and seeking new investments for this region. “
OMT, as it is known, is based in Madrid, Spain and its secretary general Zurab Pololikashvili, flew in for the event.
Educated in banking and management, he is originally a Georgian politician,ex- Congressional deputy who assumed the post in 2018 after serving his nation as Ambassador to various nations.
Wiki (Google) notes that “During his mandate as Secretary General he has advocated for tourism as a significant player in delivering sustainable solutions for people, the planet, prosperity and peace.”
The entity´s new offices overlook one of the most beautiful sights in the world of Rio de Janeiro´s Praca XV and harbor.
One of the best ‘cocktails’ this observer has ever feasted on was included on these historic days devoured by voracious journalists, photogs, politicianst, samba gals and security personnel.
Not to miss out on such freebies this observer stayed until the last cup of wine was served.
“How can a United Nations related entity promote tourism in this city, where assaults and violence are increasing?” I asked an illustrious guest at the event.’
” It is not only in Rio but world-wide that crime and violence are unfortunately on the rise, “was the answer I received.
In any case, good luck to this new initiative.
Meanwhile carry a minimum of cash, travel by Ubers and leave your best cellphone at home if you are a visitor—or resident—of Marvelous City (Cidade Maravilhosa),Brasil/Brazil.