Carnival Returns to Brazil Amid New Tourism Leadership

Embratur, the Brazilian Agency for the International Promotion of Tourism, announced a new agency leader this week as the country prepares for post-outbreak resumption of one of its signature events.

Silvio Nascimento was named Embratur's president, replacing Carlos Brito, who was promoted to Brazil's minister of tourism. Nascimento previously served as Embratur's director of marketing, intelligence and communication.

Gilson Machado Neto, who most recently served both as Embratur's president and Brazil's minister of tourism, recently left both offices to run for senate, said officials in a statement. "Our work involves dealing with tourism, with people's happiness, and there is no country that does so much as Brazil," said Neto. "I leave with confidence in the team we created at Embratur and at the Ministry."

"We have done our best to represent and share Brazil, its beauties, the unique qualities of our people and our culture, in many promotions and events around the world," said Nascimento. "We will continue the path we have followed so far."

The events will operate under Covid-19 health and safety protocols including a vaccination passport requirement for all public attendees. In addition, occupancy is limited to a maximum of 70 percent of public capacity in all areas and mandatory pre-registration parade marchers. Marchers and spectators are required to wear masks and there will the number of components utilized by each samba school will be reduced.

"In addition to its historical and cultural importance, [Carnival] is also an incredible economic booster, which generates direct and indirect jobs," said Brito in a statement earlier this month. "We expect to see this impact reflected in the purchase of air tickets, booking of rooms, car rentals [and] reservations at restaurants."

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