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An Image Revamp for Shopaholics Paradise, Foz do Iguaçu

09/27/2016 - 12h04

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MARCELO TOLEDO
SPECIAL ENVOY TO CUIDAD DEL ESTE

The Brazilian city Foz do Iguaçu owes its name to one of nature's most spectacular creations, the Iguazu falls, the largest waterfall system in the world. However, recently it has become famed for other, less picturesque, personality traits.

Known as the Brazilian capital of "sacoleiros" (people that travel to buy goods and take big bags with them), Foz do Iguaçu (PR) is plagued with shopaholics, drawn to the consumer hub by cheap imports and gob-smacking bargains.

Now, Foz is trying to revamp its image. Since 2007 it has invested heavily in an integrated tourism programme, in an attempt to develop the city and reduce its dependency on merchandise-driven pilgrimages.

The programme radically transforms current tourist packages. Now, visitors to Foz can enjoy, as well as the almost compulsory visits to the waterfalls, trips to the hydroelectric plant at Itaipu, a variety of events and conferences, and a gastronomic tour of all three countries that share the triple border: Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

"The strength of the dollar compared with other currencies in recent years means many consumer products are expensive once imported. People who used to buy them locally, decided to travel and visit the city," says Carlos Silva, President of the Foz branch of Sindhotéis (a syndicate of hotels, restaurants and bars).

According to him, a drop in the presence of "sacoleiros" initially reduced levels of tourism, but also meant the city had to begin thinking up other, more sustainable, strategies.

"Shopping tourism", however, as the mushrooming of Duty Free shops in Puerto Iguazu indicates, the neighbouring town in Argentina, is still going strong. Many tourists are looking for accomodation for city tours and visits to the comercial hotspot for between R$60-120 (US$ 19-35).

Folha sourced five travel agents in Sao Paulo and Minas that offered trips as frequently as twice a week to Foz's markets. But nobody sells the packages with the same success as before. Three agencies from Passos (MG) have closed down.

Translated by GILLIAN SOPHIE HARRIS

Read the article in the original language

Fabio Braga/Folhapress
Known as the Brazilian capital of "sacoleiros", now Foz is trying to revamp its image
Known as the Brazilian capital of "sacoleiros", now Foz is trying to revamp its image

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