Key facts (Data from IBGE)
Capital |
Natal |
Area (km²) |
52.796,791 |
Number of Municipalities |
167 |
Population (est. 2005) |
3.003.087 |
Rio Grande do Norte has 410km of beaches:
With Over 410 km, Rio Grande do Norte has the longest coastline in the country. This ocean culture gave birth to a thriving fishing industry, positive results in aquiculture, recreational tourism, as well the privilege of being home to the biggest salt industry in Brazil. The climate is predominantly semi-arid with annual temperatures that vary between an average low of 18.3º C (65º F) to an average high of 31º C (88º F) while boasting the best air-quality in the Americas.
A Warm Reception - Hospitality:
Rio Grande do Norte natives, the Potiguar, are famous for being excellent hosts. Their hospitality coupled with the easy-going nature of the locals make it one of the most sought after destination spots not only for Brazilian travelers but also for many foreign visitors.
Safety:
Natal was found to be the safest Brazilian capital in 2005. The city of deemed the safest according to research from IPEA, The Institute of Applied Economics Research.
Natural Beauty and Pleasant Weather:
Lots of sunshine and 410 km of clean beaches, coconut trees, lagoons, and immense sand dunes attract tourists to Rio Grande do Norte every year. In Genipabu, 24 km from the capital, we find the most famous sand dunes in the country. The dunes are up to 50 m high and either moving, made up entirely of sand, or fixed, covered by low vegetation. The average temperature is 26º C (79º F), which allows us to enjoy the state’s natural beauties year round.
Strategic Location: proximity to Europe and Africa
“The person who looks out at the sea in Natal is closer to Africa than to São Paulo e nearer Europe than Argentina. It is the continent’s corner.” These are the words of Carol Frederico, reporter for the Folha de São Paulo. These facts only confirm the reason the capital became such a strategic point for the USA during World War II. The city became known then as the “Trampoline to Victory”, where airplanes coming from Europe would refuel and continue on their way to Africa.
Infrastructure
Port of Natal – The city port’s main highlight is the export of fruit, which corresponds to 30% of all products shipped. Rio Grande do Norte’s fruits are mainly exported to Europe
Airports:
Augusto Severo International Airport – Located practically at sea-level (169 feet), with favorable meteorological and geographical conditions, the Augusto Severo International Airport, in Parnamirim, sits 18 km from Natal (RN). With an area of 11.3 thousand square feet, the airport has the capacity to accommodate 1.2 million passengers a year. The passenger terminals and airport facilities are climate controlled with the ability to generate 630 tons of cold air.
São Gonçalo do Amarante Airport – This is a project in which the State Government is joined by the Federal Government and Infraero (Brazil’s Aeronautical Authority). Its first stage is projected to be inaugurated in 2009 and when completely finished, the Airport Complex of Greater Natal, also known as São Gonçalo do Amarante Airport, will have the capacity to receive 40 million passengers every year. The airport is projected to reach these figures by the year 2020. Currently, Cumbica International Airport, in Guralhos, receives traffic of about 18 million passengers annually. São Gonçalo do Amarante has been designed to be one of the largest and most modern airports in the world and once completed, Augusto Severo International Airport will become a secondary passenger station.
Exame Magazine Article / Tourism Yearbook 2007/2008
In Search of European Visitors
05.04.2007
New enterprises and more flights are part of the plan to attract foreign visitors to the state
Rogèrio Reis/Olhar Imagem
Pipa Beach, in Tibau do Sul: one of the ten most beautiful beaches in Brazil.
EXAME
Responsible for an estimated 10.5% of the state’s GDP, tourism is one of the main economic activities in Rio Grande do Norte. Of all visitors to the state, foreigners make up a solid 20% of all tourists. While that is the highest incidence of foreign visitors of any state in the Northeast Region of Brazil, the state government knows it can still improve on those figures. Therefore, one of the priorities currently is attracting an increased number of charter flights to the region. At the same time, an ambitious marketing plan will be unveiled abroad, with the participation of the state in the major international tourism fairs. To handle to growing influx of tourists, the state will have to broaden its hotel network, which now stands at 136 establishments. A challenge that will soon be eased by the completion of a few projects, such as: the Radisson Resort Pirangi in Natal, with investments of 30 million reais. Projected to open in 2009, the ocean-front luxury resort is aimed at the growing interest in the Northeastern coastline by European tourists. Another hospitality company, the Accor chain, is investing 17 million reais in two new Ibis units, one in Natal and the other in Mossoró, both with estimated completion dates in 2008.
“SOURCE EXAME YEARBOOK 2008”.