Brazil’s ‘passionate’ Olympics will boost economy and tourism
Brazil is celebrating after landing the 2016 Olympic Games, which, along with the World Cup in 2014, is bound to be a major boost to the country.
The event attracts millions of visitors to its host country, while billions more around the world watch the Games on their TVs. The social and economic effects are far-reaching, with both financial systems and communities benefiting. According to the Rio 2016 bid committee, the Games will accelerate the enhancement of the country’s "social and physical fabric".
In monetary terms, the Olympics can be extremely lucrative. When London secured the 2012 Games, VisitBritain predicted that they would generate £2 billion for tourism across the UK.
Hotels, restaurants and Brazilian property owners will no doubt be celebrating as they have ready-made custom from 2014 onwards, with both the World Cup and the Olympics attracting millions of tourists.
Many feel that the Games can also help to unite a country and this has been the premise on which the Rio de Janeiro bid committee has campaigned, using the slogan "live your passion". Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympics Committee (IOC), said that this was one of the things that most impressed the panel, saying it "struck a chord" with IOC members.
The Rio 2016 organisers have continued to stress that the event would be staged in line with the country’s plans for the future: "The Games will leave a powerful legacy by meeting the long-term needs of the city and its residents.
"Every aspect of the Rio Games concept has been designed to align with the strategy for the future of the city and country," the plans stated.
The Brazilian government has also committed to spending money wisely, with one of the arguments in favour of using Rio de Janeiro being that it already has much of the necessary infrastructure in place. The cost-effective plans are in line with the worldwide financial situation.
"Even in the current difficult global economic climate, we can guarantee that funding for Rio 2016 is secure and the Brazilian economy is stable," said the bid outline.
More than half of the venues to be used for the 2016 Games have already been built. For example, facilities built for the Pan and Parapan American Games will be updated for the Olympics. These include the Joao Havelange Stadium, which is the proposed venue for the athletics competition, the Maria Lenk Aquatic Centre and the Rio Olympic Arena, which will host the gymnastics and wheelchair basketball.
The Rio Olympic Velodrome, where the cyclists will battle it out, the National Equestrian Centre and the National Shooting Centre are also already in place.
Spending will also be coordinated between the Olympics and the World Cup preparations.
"This event will spread our capital expenditure across two great growth drivers and allow us to better prepare for the Games," organisers said.
For example, money is already going towards infrastructure surrounding the world-famous Maracana football stadium, which will give the Olympic organisers a head start.
Another innovative plan which guarantees Brazil will be on show around the world is the organisers’ Olympics Live initiative. This will see the set up of 15 sites around the world, including at least two on every continent, where people can experience the Games through a combination of the latest broadcasting technology and interactive activities.
They will specifically target young audiences with the aim of creating a "genuine sense of connectedness".
With the Brazilians’ talent for hosting the most spectacular celebrations, the 2016 Olympic Games are bound to ensure plenty of attention is focused on the South American nation, from now until the closing ceremony.
