Foreign tourists highlight the hospitality and organization of the games in Rio.
“The games are very beautiful and well organized. The most positive aspect is the great atmosphere between Argentinians and Brazilians, the organization, and the public transportation. I don't see anything negative,” said economist Sebastian Brudelson. He came from Buenos Aires with his father, tour operator Alex Brudelson, and together they bought tickets to see 12 Olympic sports.
The minor problems in the organization of the Olympic Games, mainly in the first few days, with huge lines to enter and even eat in the Olympic arenas, or occasional cases of crime, did not affect the perception of the vast majority of foreign tourists who came to Rio.
The beauty of the city and the welcoming nature of the Brazilian people were cited as the highlights of the event. Among the negative aspects were poverty and the displacement of people from favelas for Olympic construction projects.
“The games are very beautiful and well organized. The most positive thing is the great atmosphere between Argentinians and Brazilians, the organization, and the public transportation. I don't see anything negative,” said economist Sebastian Brudelson. He came from Buenos Aires with his father, tour operator Alex Brudelson, and together they bought tickets to see 12 Olympic events.
Argentinians Alex and Sebastian Brudelson praised the warm welcome from Brazilians while enjoying themselves at the Olympic Boulevard in Praça Mauá. (Vladimir Platonow/Agência Brasil)
According to Alex, the only point that needs improvement is reducing poverty in the city. “We need to improve social inequality, but that’s not a problem specific to Rio, it’s a problem for all of Brazil. That’s all. Everything’s great, we really enjoyed the games. The only problem is that Brazil beat Argentina in volleyball,” he said, while staying in Morro do Vidigal and enjoying the festivities at the Olympic Boulevard in Praça Mauá.
British athlete Norman Brierlew also praised the city and the games. “Everything is going well. I enjoyed all the competitions I watched. The downside was the transport; you have to be very careful with your choices, whether taxi, bus, or subway. The best thing is the games and the atmosphere,” said Brierlew, who is from Somerset.
Norman, who works as a sports commentator, is in Brazil for the first time and said he is not afraid to go into the sea, despite reports warning of the danger of contamination: "I'm not afraid to go to the beach, because I can't go back to England and say I didn't take a dip in the sea at Copacabana," Norman Brierlew.
For Jack, an American who preferred not to give his last name, the people and hospitality are the city's highlights. The issue of crime didn't impress him. “At first, I thought I wouldn't be safe, but now I feel at ease. Rio should be proud of what it has achieved. I haven't seen anything negative yet. The best thing is the cultural diversity, with different people, and the natural beauty,” said Jack, who works for a sports publishing company in Chicago.
He came with his coworker Scott, who also declined to give his last name, but praised the atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro. “It’s been fantastic, the culture, the scenery. Lots of fun. We hear a lot about crime and the possibility of being robbed, but I really feel safe. I will definitely come back here, I want to learn more Portuguese,” said Scott.
American hairstylist Dubai Johnson, who said he has several famous clients, including artists and athletes, was in Rio for the second time. Despite highlighting the city's beauty, he considered the news he read about the removal of communities for the construction of some Olympic arenas to be a negative point. "It's a great city. I recommend it to everyone. The negative point is the impact the Olympic works had on some communities, which were removed from their original locations," said Dubai, while taking photos of the Olympic rings installed on Copacabana Beach.
Polish woman Justina Woya also highlighted the city's contrasts and lack of information: “The city is very beautiful, but you can see many contrasts. On one side, beautiful buildings, and on the other, the slum.”
According to estimates from the Ministry of Tourism, Brazil received 541 foreign tourists between July 1st and August 15th.
*Ligia Souto, reporter for Rádios EBC, contributed to this report.