With the spotlight set to fall on Brazil again in February as the nation’s raucous carnival season kicks off, Embratur is looking north with the hopes of inspiring Canadians to travel to the South American country in 2023.

“Canada is very close to Brazil,” Rafael Luisi told Travel Industry Today during a recent interview, though the tourism exec was not talking about distance, rather cultural interests and inclinations.

For example, Embratur is touting its amazing fishing opportunities – loved by many Canadians, Luisi notes – in its North American promotions.

And while the sport may seem especially specific when it comes to tourism promotion, it is symbolic of both nature and the great diversity of experiences that visitors can find – but may not be aware of – across Brazil, he adds.

“Brazil is so big, there are so many interesting things,” says Luisi, who once resided in Victoria, BC. That includes the famous carnivals of Rio and other cities, but also sun and beach in the south; heritage, including Black history in Bahia; music; food and gastronomy; and indigenous culture in the Amazon region.

The latter, Embratur’s Paolo Neves Santo says, remains 86% untouched, despite media reports of over-logging and forest clearing, etc., adding, “The government is committed to sustainability.” Overall, he says, 66% of Brazil’s nature is undisrupted, including the Pantanal, the largest floodplain on the planet and a paradise for ecotourists.

With four main regions – each different – Canadians will find “amazing diversity” across the country, he adds.

Pressed to pin down five must-see/do’s for visiting Canadians, Luisi and Neves Santos agreed: Iguazu Falls; fishing in the Amazon; Salvador for culture; and visiting Lençóis Maranhenses national park in Maranhão province, famous for its sand dunes. Lastly, scenic Rio de Janerio with its famed Ipanema neighbourhood, statue of Christ the Redeemer, and iconic Copacabana Beach – and of course, its famous Carnival, which takes place Feb. 17-23 this year.

Neves Santo says booking for Carnival – called by some “the greatest party on earth” – should not be left to the last minute, but he notes that many events, such as street parties, don’t require tickets. And other cities have their own carnivals as well.

The men noted that Canadians no longer need visas to visit Brazil (since 2018) and there is easy flight access with Air Canada or via US gateways like Miami. The country’s domestic network (driving from region to region is not advised, if not impossible to do) is extensive through LATAM, Gol and Azul airlines.