Tailor made holidays: Recent hosting wins have 'shed a new light' on Rio

Rio de Janeiro is seen as a must-have part of any Brazil tailor made holiday, Embratur, the Brazilian Tourism Board, has said.

Chris Fuzinatto, director of the Brazilian Tourist Office UK, noted that the country winning the bids to host some of the biggest sporting events in the world have focused the eyes of the media and travel sector on Brazil.

"Winning the bid to host the World Cup in 2014 as well as the Olympic Games in 2016 has shed a new light on Rio," he said.

"Subsequently the whole country has received more interest and recognition from tourists as well as the media than in previous years."

According to figures from the Brazilian Tourism Board, last year saw the number of visitors to Rio de Janeiro increase by eight per cent, when compared to the previous year.

"Tourists are recognising how diverse Brazil is as a destination," Mr Fuzinatto added, suggesting that the iconic sights of Rio - such as Christ the Redeemer - were a big draw.