It is already the case that most foreign tourists who visit Brazil spend some time on the country's coastline, which stretches for almost 5,000 miles and includes some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, but the Brazilian national tourist board (Embratur) is now increasing its efforts to attract a particular category of international traveller: boat owners.

A new 'nautical tourism' section of the Embratur website (www.braziltour.com/nautical) gives information in English, French, and Spanish on marinas and weather conditions, as well as offering suggestions regarding routes and itineraries.

In 2006, the length of time foreign vessels are permitted to stay in Brazilian ports and marinas was extended from six months to two years.

The Embratur website also has two other new sections aimed at areas of tourism with clear growth potential: golf (www.braziltour.com/golf) and cultural heritage (www.braziltour.com/heritage).

Source: Ministry of Tourism and Embassy of Brazil in London