This Article is From May 14, 2014

Brazil Expects 3.7 Million Tourists During World Cup

Brazil Expects 3.7 Million Tourists During World Cup

This aerial view shot through an airplane window shows the Maracana stadium behind the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Sao Paulo: Brazil expects a total of 3.7 million tourists in the country during the World Cup, including nearly 2 million coming specifically to attend matches and fanfests.

The government expects the visitors to provide an economic boost of $3 billion to the country during the monthlong tournament.

Foreign tourists could reach 600,000, with half of them arriving to watch matches and attend the fanfests.

Foreigners are expected to be bigger spenders than Brazilian tourists, spending on average $2,500 each while in the country.

The government says it wants to use the World Cup to "win over" these fans and keep them coming to Brazil after the tournament ends.
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