The hotels of Rio de Janeiro reinforced their commitment to Rio?s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games at an event on Thursday at Guanabara Palace, the seat of state government. Pledges of support were given to the Rio 2016 bid president, Carlos Arthur Nuzman. 

The event demonstrated the three levels of government working together to support the 2016 bid. The governor, Sergio Cabral, was present, as were the minister of tourism, Luiz Barretto, and mayor-elect of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes. ?During the 2007 Rio Pan American Games, we demonstrated our ability to work together. Now, we are repeating those efforts to help to make Rio the host of the 2016 Games. I think the hoteliers understand the important role they play in the bid. This act clearly shows the mobilization of all sectors of society with the bid,? Cabral said.

Barretto emphasized that the Games would be a window of opportunity to promote Brazil and South America as tourist destinations. ?With the support of the hotels, we are prepared to receive this big event. The bid is not just Rio?s, but belongs to all of Brazil and South America. The federal government will support and guarantee excellent conditions for hospitality during the 2016 Games,? he said.

The hotel guarantees will appear in the Candidature File, which will be handed in to the International Olympic Committee on 12 February 2009. For Carlos Arthur Nuzman, the hotelier commitment was a very important development. ?Accommodation is vital to an Olympic bid. With this commitment, hoteliers are guaranteeing the Olympic Family and all visitors comfortable accommodation, which dignify the city,? he said.