Culture at the heart of Rio's Olympic revitalisation plan, Brazil's tourism minister tells CLAD
Brazil’s minister for tourism has said that the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro will act as a springboard for the country’s cultural attractions, cementing the Games’ legacy through improved infrastructure and tourist links in the years to come.
Following its selection as Games host in 2009, Brazil has come under scrutiny in its preparations for the games, amid slashed budgets cleanliness issues and slow development. Despite all this, Henrique Eduardo Alves told CLAD that preparations for the games are nearly complete, putting the figure at 75-80 per cent.
“When Brazil bid for the Olympic Games it was competing with cities such as Chicago and of course we did not win the bid because of the infrastructure that we had, we won the bid based on the magnificent opportunity we have in front of us to revitalise Rio,” said Alves.
“There's no doubt Rio suffered from problems during the World Cup, such as infrastructure, urban mobility and public security. Infrastructure investment for the Games and for tourists in the future has been valued at US$11bn (€10bn, £7.1bn) across federal, state and municipal levels. The infrastructure that it lacked so badly is now being developed, and post-games it will ensure the lives of the people of Rio are improved.”
In addition to investment into infrastructure, there has also been significant investment into new visitor attractions, designed to make Rio – and Brazil in general – a more hospitable and enjoyable destination for tourists coming from overseas.
Such investments include the Santiago Calatrava-designed Museum of Tomorrow, which will allow the public to see the future of Rio and how it will evolve in the next 50 years. This will include a look at climate change, population growth and the fields of matter, life and thoughts.
In addition, developments such as Rio Arts Museum (RAM), the Rio Aquarium, the City of Arts, Olympic Museum and Brazil House, will play out across a newly developed 5km (3.1 mile) boulevard running through the revitalised port area of Rio. During the Games, this area will act as a hub for temporary venues, with singers and artists taking to the stages to perform.
“Such an infrastructure and investment made into these visitor attractions provides a legacy for the games and a legacy for our people,” continued Alves. “Once the Games come to their conclusion, most of the structures are temporary and can be dismantled and repurposed. Three such facilities will become schools, while three others will become public sports venues.
He added: "Around half of the area where arenas are currently being developed will be returned to the ownership of private investors working in partnership with local communities. As a result, many buildings with recreation and leisure will be created on the site of the Olympic Games, along with retail and residential. This is the legacy we will leave.”
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