Tourism marketing
How is the heat wave in Rio de Janeiro affecting the upcoming Carnival festival?
The heat wave has struck Rio de Janeiro less than two weeks before the world-famous Carnival, directly impacting construction workers who are assembling festival installations and raising concerns about the smooth running of events. Despite temperatures reaching extreme levels, Rio Mayor Eduardo confirmed that the city would not cancel any Carnival events due to the heat. This decision reflects the festival's economic importance, as Carnival attracts millions of tourists and serves as a major revenue generator for the city.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)What are the local merchants' views on speedos being permitted in Cape May?
Despite the potential appeal to tourists, some local merchants in Cape May oppose speedos on the beach. One merchant, Lily, expresses concern about men wearing speedos around children and states she doesn't find them attractive or family-friendly, reflecting traditional community values. Meanwhile, local officials like Bob Steenrod see value in attracting an international crowd, suggesting a more progressive approach to beach attire. This highlights the tension between preserving Cape May's traditional family-friendly image and the desire to revitalize tourism by appealing to a more diverse, international audience.
Watch clip answer (00:46m)What changes has Cape May implemented to attract more tourists?
Cape May has launched the 'Cool Cape May' marketing campaign to rejuvenate tourism, drawing on a slogan that dates back to 1896. As part of this initiative, the town has relaxed several regulations, including opening more beaches for kayaking and adding a five-minute grace period at parking meters. Most notably, Cape May has lifted its 30-year ban on men wearing speedos or skin-tight bathing suits, which has become a significant talking point in the campaign. These changes reflect the town's effort to balance its historical charm with modern appeal to attract visitors while maintaining its identity as a 'cool' destination.
Watch clip answer (00:52m)