Brazil posts record revenues with foreign tourists
Brazil is on the way to breaking new records in foreign tourism and business expo revenues. The revenue of US$ 431 millions in August is 16.03% higher than the recorded in same month of 2006. The first eight months of 2007 have already brought in US$ 3.265 billion accumulated revenue which is higher than the previous results.
In Embratur’s assessment (Brazilian Tourism Institute), the numbers show the perception that there is a qualitative progress of the foreign tourist who visits Brazil. Despite the problems recently observed in the civil aviation sector, Brazil has been guaranteeing a consistent revenue growth each month. Currently, the foreign visitor spends more and stays longer in the Country.
In case the growth of dollars income registered in the first eight months of the year rhythm is confirmed, the revenue in 2007 may reach US$ 4.9 billion. With this result, the year of 2006 would surpass the good performance observed in 2006, when US$ 4.316 billion arrived in Brazil with foreign tourists. It’s the higher annual milestone of the history which began in 1969.
BRAZIL / NATAL – Injection Of Funds To Improve Infrastructure Unlocks North East
Thanks to the initial phase of PRODETUR, the Brazilian government’s ‘Action Programme for the Integrated Development of Tourism’, Brazil and its tourism industry have benefited from an injection of more than $670m into infrastructure improvements.
This investment has resulted in the creation of 8 airports, construction and improvement of 1020km of highways, recovery of 732,000 sq.m of historic heritage sites, environmental preservation of 70,426 hectares and the creation of 149 government bodies to manage these and other tourism activities.
According to the Minister of Institutional Relations, Walfrido dos Mares Guia, 900,000 jobs have been created since 2003. Due to the success of this initiative, PRODETUR 2 has now been set in motion with envisaged investment of around $400m and prolific improvements expected.
At present travel from Natal Airport to the North involves passing around a large estuary, but now thanks to this new government funding a bridge and highway are due to be completed this year, which will reduce travel time to approximately 30 minutes.
More importantly, with the rapid increase in tourism from Europe and the US and arrivals already at over 700,000 per year, the construction of a new “super airport” is now under way. The Sao Gonzalo do Amarante Airport, due to complete by 2009, will be the biggest commercial airport in Latin America and the fourth biggest airport in the world. Bringing in 5 million travellers a year, with a 3600m landing strip designed in preparation for the new 380 Airbus, construction of San Gonzalo will also create 20,000 new permanent jobs.
Thanks to these airport and bridge developments, one of the greatest barriers to Brazilian Tourism growth has been overcome and the flow of passengers to the north east of Brazil has quadrupled between 2002 and 2005. Thomson Holidays recently ranked Brazil as its number 1 target destination, whilst Trail-finders are now looking to start Business Class trips to Brazil. In 2006, 90 new tour operators across Europe started selling holidays in Brazil.
As a result of all the PRODETUR funded ameliorations, tourism has increased from 4.1m (2003) to 5.5m (2005) foreign tourists a year, whilst the income generated by these tourists has increased by 25%. In the Northeast regions of Natal, Recife and Fortaleza, development in tourism and the economy is significant, and the contribution of tourism to GDP has reached 6.32% (over twice the average rate for Brazil). It is predicted that the Brazilian tourism sector should generate 1.2m direct & indirect jobs in Brazil by the end of 2007.
In response to these rapidly increasing tourism levels, a range of new flights are being offered to Natal. American Airlines is expected to be the first US airline next year to operate direct flights to Natal from Miami (5 hr flight time), whilst British Airways will fly direct from London. Companies like Thompson are now offering package holidays to these areas at incredibly attractive prices. It is fair to say this is the start of an enormous future global tourism market. As a result, resort demand, rental rates, and land prices are increasing at similarly rapid rates and should mirror the south’s impressive and profitable real estate history.
Where is Natal?
On of the furthest tips on north eastern Brazil, this is the capital city of Rio
Grande do Norte, a north eastern state in Brazil.
Natal has established itself as the leading beach tourism destination in Brazil and benefits from the best climate in the country; the yearly average temperature is 27 degrees and the weather is stable and sunny virtually all year around. Natal is also the closest point to Europe from Latin America and flying time is approx. 7-8 hours from central Europe.
Thomson Holidays added Brazil to their offer at the beginning of this year, and to no surprise the chosen location was Natal. Stunning natural beauty with never ending beaches, crystalline water, sea-front coconut groves, sand dunes and the biggest coral reef formation in Brazil. Located 50 km north of Natal, Maracajaú is also known as "the Caribbean of Brazil" and is perfectly positioned to benefit from the massive increase in investments and tourism in the coming years.
In the next five years, investments, in new resorts with more than 10 golf courses, will exceed $ 1.8 billion in the Natal area. The region is set to become one of the most popular tropical destinations for Europeans, and recently the Americans have taken an interest as well. A major advantage to this area will be the completion of the new airport in Natal, which will be the largest in Latin America.
Is Brazil a safe country?
One of the urban myths that surround Brazil is the question of safety and security. In fact, Brazil is no more dangerous than the main cities in Europe or North America.
Most of the bad press about violence in Brazil, relates to the gangs operating in the slums in Rio and Sao Paulo, which are both several hours away by plane. Even in these mega cities, most of the crime is between the gangs and crime against tourists is extremely rare. Being sensible and streetwise is the key to trouble free and enjoyable stay anywhere in the world, including Brazil.
The northeast is well known for being a very safe and relaxed area and is 4 hours by plane from Sao Paulo. In addition, Natal is officially considered the safest state capital in Brazil. In Maracajaú, the locals sleep with their doors unlocked.
Brazilians are further known to be very friendly people and it is extremely rare to see aggressive behaviour from the Brazilians. In fact, what you will see more than anywhere else in the world is a lot of smiling and dancing!!
What’s the climate like?
Since Natal is only 5 degrees from the equator, the seasonal variations are very small. Most of the year the day temperature is around 30 degrees and the night temperature rarely falls below 24 degrees. The annual average temperature is approx 27 degrees (includes day & night temperatures).
In Natal, April to June is considered “rainy season” and during this period it rains intensely for a few hours after which the sun comes out again. Even during this time, the night temperature never drops below 24 degrees. The rest of the year is very sunny and the climate is dry and there is always a refreshing tropical breeze from the sea which makes the temperature feel even more pleasant.
The sea water temperature is equally warm and is approx. 26 degrees all year.
Further, Brazil does not suffer from any tropical storms, hurricanes or earthquakes. No wonder Brazilians say that the country was created by God!!!
What can I expect to pay for food & drinks?
• Dinner for two in a good restaurant: approx. 8 euros
• A beer (600 ml): 75 cents
• Caipirinha (the famous Brazilian cocktail with lime, cachaça &crushed ice: 1 Euro
• Chicken & prawn skewer on the beach:
What's developing there?
The government has confirmed that it will build a new airport in Natal. This will be the largest in not just Brazil, but also South America and is due to be ready for early 2010.
This means that as Natal, as the furthest eastern tip on the Brazil coast, will be the first port of call for commerce, trade and tourism in the whole of South America.
The idea is that as the airport opens by the end of the decade, Natal will be the closest point to Europe, meaning that flights will take a mer 6 or 7 hours to Brazil, more resorts open, more holiday opportunities are presented, tourism increases and so does demand for local Goods and property.
When is a good time to buy?
Now would be a great time to buy in Brazil and to wait for 5 years or so to capitalize on the growth. The peak of the growth has not yet occurred and so this is an important consideration. : Squatters Rights (Usucapião) - Be Aware!
THE CLOSING PROCESS IN BRAZIL
1. It all starts when seller signs a purchase and sale contract, known in Brazil as the “Intrumento/Compromisso Particular de Venda e Compra. Although, the agreement is the first step, purchase and sale agreement is very important, as its contents will serve as the guidelines of the entire transaction. Therefore, is fundamental that you know and understand all of your rights and obligations under it. Upon execution of it, buyer usually pays a deposit in order to show good faith and to finalize the execution of the binding purchase and sale contract. In Brazil, buyer usually pays seller directly, as there are no escrow accounts, nonetheless, it has become very frequent the use of international escrow accounts, which brings more security to all parties, but in this case seller must consent in writing.
2. Real Estate Company or Realtor or Seller or Attorney begins the acquisition of the title documents. Each property has a series of documents recorded at the local courthouses and registries that reflect prior owners, lenders and other parties who have or had an interest in the property you’re buying. Such documents also show any pending lawsuits and liens against the property and/or seller. The examination of such documentation is very important and shall be done by a third party who has no interest in the conclusion of the transaction.
3. The property is inspected. In most cases, a professional inspector shall conduct a property inspection or survey to ensure the integrity of the property.
4. The “Escritura Publica” is prepared. Usually a notary or an attorney, in conjunction or not, shall prepare this document, which will later convey the property rights to the new owner. It also shows the legal description of the property, sale’s price, and all costs/fees that will be paid at closing.
5. You close on your property. On closing you’ll need to provide all the funds, a picture ID, and your Tax Id Card, know in Brazil as the CPF. During the closing, you (and whoever else is buying/selling the property with you) will have sign an “Escritura Publica de Venda e Compra” before a notary, and once payment is made and “Escritura is executed, the closing process ends, but not the entire process of acquiring real estate.
6. Registration of “Escritura”. Property rights in Brazil are 100% enforceable only when the “Escritura” is duly registered, so make sure your attorney or notary registers the “Escritura”, as soon as possible at the proper Real Estate Registry, only when this step is completed is that you become the official known owner of the property you paid for.
Brazil
By Jose Santiago
Brazilian Law describes the way by which one can acquire the title to land. One of the methods is the "Usucapião", known as adverse possession or squatter rights. The current legislation allows a person to get title to land from the actual owner simply by using the land publicly and in a peaceful way, meaning, without the intervention of the actual owner. If this occurs for a specific and continued period of time, this person, know as the possessor, may be able to claim this property as his/her own trough a lawsuit called "Ação de Usucapião" and acquire the title.
The theory is that by not disputing someone else‘s usage of your property, you, as the owner have abandoned your rights to the property which could be then forfeited/transferred to the possessor.
It is important for all foreigners who are purchasing real estate in Brazil to first, make sure that the property hasn‘t already been taken by a possessor. Even if the broker verbalizes in that way, and the seller shows a valid and legal public deed drafted by a public notary at a "Cartorio" nearby, a careful and professional analysis of this document is necessary. In some cases there can be a public deed of conveyance, but the deed will only transfer possession rights, giving the impression to the unaware foreigner that the property is titled, when is not and worse, it belongs to someone else.
Secondly, it is never recommended to purchase these possession rights, although they are quite cheap when compared to regular real estate prices. A buyer has no guarantees that later on a Court Summons won‘t be delivered at his doorsteps demanding them to leave the premises immediately, thus losing the land and everything that was built on top of it.
Finally, after purchasing real estate, those who have second homes in Brazil must be able to keep property from being abandoned. Also, make sure that all utility bills and property tax bills are in your name and are paid by you, if these steps are followed; "Usucapião" can never happen to you.
TOP 10 RETIREMENT HAVENS IN THE WORLD
Number 1 - Brazil
Low cost of living
Low cost of real estate
Nice beaches, one is in the Top 10 list of beaches in the entire world
Warm weather in the state of Clear & acute; similar to September in San Diego
Good nightlife in the capital city of Fortaleza.
Women and men are attractive and very passionate
Located in the southern hemisphere, so if nuclear war breaks out, the cancerous fallout will gravitate to the northern magnetic pole and not here.
Has the largest fresh water supply in the world, the Amazon River.
Also have petroleum, chemicals, minerals, and agriculture.
If World War III starts, Brazil will survive completely on its own.
Portuguese language
Bank accounts not in USD
Note: $50,000 investment belongs to you not government (No Brazilian employees required) or $2,000 USD monthly income required to qualify as retiree. Brazil’s investment used to be US$200,000 and was lowered to US$50,000. Before Brazil was not in the Top 10 and now it is Number 1. With new 24 hour video cameras, violence is way down. Citizenship is available after only 1 year of marriage to a Brazilian or 4 years of residency.
Number 2 Malaysia
English language
Low cost of living
Low cost of real estate
Nice beaches
Bank accounts in USD
Good nightlife in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
Almost at the equator so if nuclear war breaks out, the cancerous fallout will gravitate to the northern magnetic pole and not here.
Tsunamis
High humidity
Note: +1 - $50,000 investment belongs to you not government (No Malaysian employees required) or $500 USD monthly income required to qualify as retiree.
Number 3 Ecuador
Low cost of living
Low cost of real estate
Nice climate but very high altitude in capital
Bank accounts in USD
Located in the southern hemisphere, so if nuclear war breaks out, the cancerous fallout will gravitate to the northern magnetic pole and not here.
Spanish language
Note: Difficult for people to breathe in the very high altitude of the capital
Number 4 Mexico
Low cost of living
Low cost of real estate
Nice beaches
Bank accounts in USD
Good nightlife in many large cities
Spanish language
Located in the nort | 
