Brazil to host first World Indigenous Games
Leading on from the success of the soccer World Cup, Brazil has announced it will be host for the first World Indigenous Games, set to take place in September 2015 in Palmas, Tocatins state.
It is being supported by the Brazilian Tourism Board Embratur, which started promoting the event recently at World Travel Market, and sees it as a major opportunity to showcase both ecotourism and the diversity of Brazilian culture on a global stage.
"Hosting the World Indigenous Games in Brazil is an opportunity to show the world the diversity of our country, in addition to valuing the cultural richness of the indigenous peoples and promoting other sectors like ecotourism and adventure tourism," said Vicente Neto, president of Embratur.
With the motto "In 2015, we are all natives", Palmas will welcome ethnic groups from throughout the Americas, Australia, Japan, Norway, Russia, China and the Philippines.
Brazil alone will have 22 separate indigenous groups taking part in a host of sporting events.
This includes archery, spear throwing, tug of war, traditional canoeing, log races, wrestling matches, head football, swimming and athletics.
Inter-tribal sporting competition is well established in Brazil, but this will be the first time on a truly global scale.
"The support of Embratur is critical to the success of the Games. The state of Tocantins has enormous tourism potential that we need to promote," said Palmas mayor Carlos Amastha.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026