By Jay Forte, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – On Thursday, June 9th, The Rio Times is hosting their second “TALKS” speaker series event, bringing together a panel of experts in three areas regarding the Rio 2016 Olympics; organization, tourism and immigration issues (visas). Roshni Thakker from XperienceRio, a premium travel and tour company will talk about strategies and opportunities for making the most of the Olympics between August 5th and 21st.
To start, Thakker explains some of the differences between the Olympics and the World Cup that was in Brazil two years ago. “One thing that is clear for the visitors, they can be certain that there will be more security on the streets, and more volunteers who will be available to provide information on the events, as well as tourism throughout the city.”
Adding, “Also, a lot of the touristic areas have been reformed, such as Praça Maua, where the new Museu do Amanhã is, as well as a Marina da Gloria, that was also reformed with beautiful restaurants, to receive its visitors, aside from new restaurants and hotels throughout the city.”
In terms of the profile of visitors that will be in Rio, “The Games attract different type of crowd: more corporate; individuals also travel with their families, verses the almost eighty percent male World Cup fandom.” Adding, “The visitors, based on the requests we have received so far, seem to be more interested in day time activities, tours, corporate events and mainly transportation between Olympic venues.”
Stone Korshak, editor and publisher of The Rio Times shares, “Having Roshni and XperienceRio at the TALKS event was a perfect fit, because so many small business owners here in Rio are grappling with how to best service all these visitors that are set to arrive in under sixty days.” Adding, “Not to mention expats and individuals here just looking for great ideas for what to do with themselves or guests on their way.”
As XperienceRio prepared for the Olympics, Thakker describes their own focus as, “Creativity and Quality. Those two have always been our main visions, and we are able to flourish in these areas.” The goes on to add, “Our focus has been directed towards larger groups, executives and sponsors, who long to create memorable programs for their guests.”
Explaining, “They look to deliver not only luxury, but ‘rare’ experiences. That is where we come in, providing a unique perspective on travel by integrating culture, nature, culinary delights and entertainment, aspects that Rio intrinsically holds, making it easy, and pleasurable, to do our ‘job’.”
The other two speakers are Phil Wilkinson from Rio 2016 and American expatriate Michael Royster, who is a Brazilian lawyer since 1992. The latest addition to the line-up, thanks to Brazil 101: Comedy for Gringos, is the amazing opportunity to have Fernando Caruso, a famous Brazilian comedian and actor, as the host and emcee.
Other announced sponsors and partners are Fine Wines , Rekorderlig Cider, and food by La Rica, and of course our hosts DOCA co-working space. Entrance to this event will be limited to fifty places, and a guaranteed seat requires pre-purchasing a ticket for R$50 online. If seating is still available on the night of the event, entrance will be R$80 (cash only).
Find out more and stay updated on new announcements and promotions by joining the Facebook Event page.
What: The Rio Times TALKS Series: Olympics
When: Thursday, June 9th, 7-10PM
Where: DOCA, Rua Barão da Torre 219, Ipanema, RJ
Entrance: R$50 reserved online/R$80 without (cash only)