Ricardo Amaral named ‘Tourism Personality of the Year’ in Brazil for 2009
Ricardo Amaral
Sao Paulo, December 10, 2009 – Travel professionals in Brazil have named Ricardo Amaral as the country’s ‘Tourism Personality of the Year’ for 2009.
Amaral, managing director of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operations in Brazil, was officially awarded at the end of November.
“Winning this award is an amazing honour and something that I am extremely proud of,” said Amaral. “It is especially nice to know that you have the respect and affection of your colleagues in the industry. I certainly would not be where I am today without the support of all my friends, partners mentors – and competitors! This award is the culmination of a fantastic year. As a business we have made real inroads in terms of awareness of our market-leading product, as well as promoting cruising as an attractive holiday option.”
Michael Bayley, RCCL’s Senior Vice President, International, added: “It is rewarding to see the recognition of Ricardo by his peers and fellow travel professionals. Ricardo’s proven track record of success has helped grow our business significantly and in his role as President of ABREMAR he is instrumental in driving the development of the Cruise industry in Brazil.”
The Tourism Personality of the Year award, which has been running since 2002, is decided by a secret ballot of travel industry professionals in Brazil. The award is run jointly by trade newspapers Mercado & Eventos and Folha do Turismo, in partnership with the Brazilian Press Association (ABI) and support of Brazilian Association of Travel Agencies (ABAV).
Previous winners include Caio de Carvalho,Brazilian Minister of Sport and Tourism; Fernando Pinto, president of TAPAirlines; Janyck Daudet, president of Club Med Latin America; Roland de Bonadona, CEO of Accor Hospitality Latin America; Marco Bologna, president of TAM Airlines; and Walfrido dos Mares Guia, Brazilian Minister of Tourism.
