Talking Points: Brazil and Olympic Games (July 26, 2016)

Talking Points – Brazil Olympics

Copyright © 2016 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when

discussing travel to Brazil and the 2016 Olympics. (July 26, 2016)

1. As has become standard procedure for recent Olympic Games, security in Rio de

Janeiro for the Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games will be high through September

18.

2. While in Brazil for the Olympics, there are many precautions travelers can take to help

ensure their safety and well-being from potential crime to illnesses such as the Zika

virus.

3. Safety is our top priority for our clients and we provide the facts so our clients can

make informed decisions about their travel plans.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each

talking point.

1. As has become standard procedure for recent Olympic Games, security in Rio de

Janeiro for the Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games will be high through September

18.

 The Summer Olympic Games will take place August 5 through August 21 in Rio de

Janeiro. The Paralympic Games will take place September 7 through September 18

o The competition venues will be clustered in four zones – Barra, Copacabana,

Deodoro and Maracanã – and connected by a high-performance transport ring.

o In addition, Olympic soccer matches will take place in cities throughout Brazil,

including: Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Manaus, Salvador and São Paulo, as well as

Rio de Janeiro.

 The Wall Street Journal reports that approximately 85,000 military and police will be on

duty during the Games, the largest-ever buildup of security in the history of the country,

which also hosted the 2014 World Cup soccer tournament.

 According to USA Today, “Brazil has rarely had to face terrorist threats, unlike the host

countries of the previous two Games — Russia in 2014 and the United Kingdom in 2012.

Brazil has largely stayed out of international conflicts…”

o In addition, USA Today reports that “Brazil does have history on its side. The

country is world-renowned for throwing a party, such as its annual week-long

Carnival that draws tourists from around the world. The country also hosted the

2014 World Cup without any major incidents.”

 The U.S. State Department’s country-specific information for Brazil states Rio de Janeiro

“continues to experience high incidences of crime, including armed robberies. Crime can

happen at any place or time within Rio. While criminal activity is more frequent in certain

areas, there is no area in Rio that is immune.” Specific information on Rio de Janeiro

also includes:

o “Tourists are particularly vulnerable to street thefts and robberies in the evening

and at night especially in areas adjacent to major tourist attractions. If robbed, do

not attempt to resist or fight back, but rather relinquish your personal belongings.

Always, pay close attention to your surroundings and the behavior of those

nearby. There have been reports of thieves and rapists slipping incapacitating

drugs into drinks at bars, hotel rooms, and street parties.”

o “Be vigilant while on the roads, especially at night. There have been shootings

and carjackings on the Linha Vermelha that links the international airport to the

popular tourist areas in the city’s Southern Zone.”

 “In Rio de Janeiro, motorists should be especially vigilant at stoplights

and when stuck in traffic.”

 “Carjackings and holdups can occur at intersections and in tunnels.”

 “Crime on public transportation is frequent, and at times is violent.”

 “When traveling by taxi, tourists should only use taxis openly displaying

company information and phone numbers, as well as red license plates.”

2. While in Brazil for the Olympics, there are many precautions travelers can take to help

ensure their safety and well-being from potential crime to illnesses such as the Zika

virus.

 For traveler safety and security, we highly recommend that U.S. citizens follow the

advice of the State Department and register their international travel plans at

https://step.state.gov/step. By entering information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment

Program (STEP), the Department of State can better assist travelers in an emergency.

 The State Department offers a variety of ways for Americans to stay up-to-date on the

latest information including through:

o U.S. Citizen Services: Information about services the Embassy and Consulate

offers to U.S. citizens, security and travel information, fraud warnings, etc.

 #USinRio blog: All the practical (and fun) details you need for your

Olympics journey.

 USinRio Facebook Event: Add your “RSVP” so you’ll have the latest news

on the Games.

o @USCitsBrazil on Twitter: Follow Mission Brazil’s Twitter for U.S. citizens living

and traveling in Brazil.

o ACS Olympics Brochure: Learn about American Citizen Services during the

Olympics.

o Mission Brazil Facebook and Consulate Rio: Follow the U.S. Mission’s Facebook

pages for the latest Olympics news and security updates.

 According to the United Kingdom’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office:

o Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, watches and clothes.

o Don’t carry large sums of money.

o Keep mobile phones and cameras out of sight and leave your passport and

valuables in a safe place.

o Take extra care and avoid taking valuables to the beach.

o In any situation, be ready to hand over valuables if you’re threatened. Don’t

attempt to resist attackers. They may be armed and under the influence of drugs.

o There has been an increase in robberies at ATMs. Also, bank and credit card

fraud is common, including card cloning from ATMs. Keep sight of your card at all

times and do not use an ATM if you notice anything suspicious.

o Mobile phone cloning occurs. Take care of your handset at all times.

 The Government of Canada indicates that “Street crime, including pickpocketing, purse

or bag snatching, theft from cars and mugging, is common in Brazil’s large cities.

Tourists are a favorite target, mainly because they are perceived as being wealthy, easy

targets.”

o “Remain vigilant when visiting tourist destinations such as public beaches,

outdoor markets, hotel grounds, bars and nightclubs, as well as at airports and

bus stations.”

o “Tourists are more vulnerable to crime when they look and act like tourists, so try

to blend in.”

 Avoid showing signs of affluence such as expensive jewelry, watches,

clothing and bags, and carry only small amounts of cash.

 Keep cameras and portable electronic devices, including cellphones,

laptops and tablets, concealed as much as possible.

 Store your valuables and important travel documents in a hotel safe.

 There has been considerable talk about the Zika virus in Brazil. However, the risk of

being bitten by a mosquito at the present time is quite low as it is wintertime in Brazil and

Rio is in the southern part of the country. Still, the CDC explicitly warns women who are

pregnant not to travel to any area of Brazil below 6,500 feet (Rio de Janeiro is at sea

level).

o Newsweek reports that the “World Health Organization (WHO) said [July 19] that

there’s a “low risk” of people catching or spreading the Zika virus during the

upcoming Olympic and Paralympic games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.”

 “The WHO reached that conclusion for a number of reasons. The

Olympics and Paralympics will be taking place during Brazil’s winter

months, a “low season for mosquito transmission” and a time when

mosquito density is reduced, said Dr. William Perea, a technical health

expert at WHO. Brazilian authorities continue to carry out mosquitocontrol

measures, including spraying large areas with insecticide,

inspecting and removing potential mosquito breeding grounds and setting

up large mosquito traps.”

 According to The Guardian, Brazil’s sports minister, Leonardo Picciani,

has predicted there will be “close to zero” cases of Zika recorded during

the Olympic Games. “We are taking measures in accordance with, and

are in constant contact with, the World Health Organization. We have had

a very significant evolution in terms of the situation with the insect that

causes the virus.”

 According to the CDC, “A pregnant woman can pass Zika virus to her

fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. CDC

recommends special precautions for the following groups:

 “Women who are pregnant – Should not travel to any area of

Brazil below 6,500 feet. If you must travel to one of these areas,

talk to your doctor first and strictly follow steps to prevent

mosquito bites during your trip. If you have a male partner who

lives in or has traveled to Brazil, either use condoms or do not

have sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) during your pregnancy.”

 “Women who are trying to become pregnant – Before you or your

male partner travel, talk to your doctor about your plans to

become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection. See CDC

guidance for how long you should wait to get pregnant after travel

to Brazil. You and your male partner should strictly follow steps to

prevent mosquito bites.”

 “Men who have traveled to an area with Zika and have a pregnant

partner should use condoms or not have sex (vaginal, anal, or

oral) during the pregnancy.”

 Additionally, many precautions can be taken to remain healthy while traveling in Brazil.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggestions:

o Eat food that is cooked and served hot.

o Eat raw fruits and vegetables only if they can be peeled or washed in clean

water.

o Don’t drink tap water, drinks with ice, or drinks diluted with tap water.

 The CDC has an entire section on its website devoted to staying healthy while in Brazil,

which found here.

3. Safety is our top priority for our clients and we provide the facts so our clients can

make informed decisions about their travel plans.

 While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly

encourage our clients to use extra care and common sense – no matter where they

travel – to maximize their safety and security.

o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member

back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.

o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they

could become dangerous.

o Remain alert to their surroundings at all times.

o Check your medical insurance coverage to make sure it applies overseas. If it

doesn’t, consider buying travel insurance that covers overseas medical attention

and medical evacuation.

 Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may

be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to

travel.

 Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is

currently located, we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being

and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.

 We make certain to work with a select group of travel partners who take the safety and

security of our clients as seriously as we do.