Orlando is the top tourist destination for Brazilians!
(Did you know that?)
"You can spot Brazilian tourists in Florida by their matching T-shirts and large tour buses."
Brazilian tourists shop the bargains at a local mall.
Photo Credit: John Couwel/CNN
Visit Disneyworld or Universal Studios and you will see many large groups of tourists, all sporting their tourist/travel company t-shirts, and carrying the Brazilian flag.
Last year, especially, I noticed that the Brazilian groups were more noticeable than ever. "They must REALLY love Orlando theme parks," I thought to myself.
No, it was explained to me, our US exchange rate is so low, that they come here to do two things: 1) go to theme parks and 2) go shopping! And we are very happy to welcome all Brazilian tourists for both reasons!
Here is how it works, and this is a direct quote from an article on the CNN Travel website from 2012:
"On a recent afternoon at the Orlando Premium Outlets near Disney World, one of the hottest-selling items among the Brazilian tourists is luggage. They buy the suitcases, then stuff them with recently purchased shoes, clothing, bags and electronics until the luggage is almost bursting at the seams."
"As a result, Disney hired 54 Portuguese-speaking "Super Greeters," most of them from Brazil, to assist Brazilian tour groups throughout Disney's parks."
"As a result, SeaWorld recently launched a website in Portuguese, and Frey says the company is looking to expand its Portuguese-speaking employees."
updated 9:51 AM EST, Tue January 24, 2012
Now is the time to learn Portuguese, if you want to meet and greet our Brazilian tourists! Welcome to Orlando, friends!
