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Showing the good things that exist in Brazil without denying the existence of problems. For President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, this could represent one of the formulas for increasing tourism in the country.
"In Brazil we often commit the mistake of letting only the bad things appear, instead of extolling our virtues without refusing to recognize the bad things that do exist. We needn't deny them, but we have to show the other, good points we have," the President declared in his address today at the opening of the World Tourism Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development, in Salvador, in the Northeastern state of Bahia.
Between now and December 6, when the Forum ends, approximately 30 Ministers of Tourism from various countries will discuss strategies for the implementation of sustainable tourism around the globe. Participating are also members of NGOs from all over the world interested in environmental protection, human rights and tourism.
According to Lula, tourism demands great professionaism and competence and should be viewed as essential to the sustainable development that countries need so badly, as a source of wealth and jobs.
Ministers Walfrido Mares Guia, of Tourism, Gilberto Gil, of Culture, and Marina Silva, of Environment, also participate in the opening ceremony at the Teatro Castro Alves in Salvador, Bahia.
During the event Mares Guia will launch a campaign against the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents (also known as sex tourism).
The inauguration ceremony of the forum also included a concert by the Bahia Symphony Orcehestra playing music by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa Lobos.
Agência Brasil
Translator: David Silberstein
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