MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazil and Argentina promote tourism and trade in Qatar

Qatar Airways next month begins flying to Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires

Both Brazil and Argentina have pitched a strong case for the Arab world to broaden its trade and tourism scope to South America. In a workshop held over the weekend at the Doha Marriott Hotel, trade and tourism representatives from the two countries urged Qataris to seek trade and leisure opportunities following the announcement that Qatar Airways will be flying to both Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires from June 24.

“From 2003 to 2009, trade between Brazil and Qatar increased 580%. Our goal today is to make this great proximity with South America a reality also in the tourism sector,” said Luiz Barretto, the Brazilian minister of tourism.

“The introduction of the flight to Sao Paulo, which is the main financial and economic capital of Brazil, is a great opportunity for the establishment of a constant flow of tourists for leisure and business across our two continents”.

Leonardo Boto, Executive Manager, Argentina National Institute of Tourism Promotion highlighted that both Qatar and the Arab world in general shared a common bond with Argentina as a result of massive immigration south in the last century and encouraged the strengthening of the tie.

“We are familiar with the Arab culture, and now want you to make Argentina your home as many others from this region have. We welcome Qatar Airways and we will work to make the new connections, the new friendships and opportunities as successful as possible”.

During the workshop, presentations were made highlighting key attractions and unique opportunities available in Argentina and Brazil, including parks, sports, gourmet and culture.

Speaking to The Peninsula after the workshop, the Brazilian ambassador to Qatar, Anuar Nahes said: “We expect a great outcome from this new venture. Our country has a lot to offer and we hope that Qataris take this opportunity to visit Brazil”.