Fans considering a trip to Brazil for the World Cup will see hotel prices are not as bad as some might think, according to World Cup Camping Rio co-Founder Andy Allan, who said that the large number of accommodation choices kept prices down. “I don’t think that people are being too silly about pricing,” said Allan, whose campsite option is inexpensive and innovative. The purpose-built campsite, which was the brainchild of Allan and his business partner and friend Stephen Pike, has a nightly rate of $58 per person. World Cup Camping Rio is located on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro in the western suburb of Recreio dos Bandeirantes. Due to a threat of potentially violent protests during the World Cup, the campsite features 24-hour security. Allan said that the security service is simply a precaution as he believes the campsite’s quiet, suburban location will not be of much interest to protesters. However, he and his staff prepare for every eventuality. The British expat also thinks that the media’s coverage of the protests has made them look like a bigger problem than they actually are. Allan, who is a property developer by trade, said that since he has been in Rio it never affected him or anyone he knows. “It’s one of those things that are dramatized on television,” Allan said. He added that if there is one burning car in Rio it makes no difference at all, but it obviously makes great news.
IN HIGH DEMAND: With the World Cup opener between Brazil and Croatia on June 12 approaching fast, Allan said that demand for the campsite has been high. “We’ve had a lot of bookings, mainly for the first sort of two to three weeks,” he said. Just like the World Cup, the campsite will be a gathering spot for people from all across the globe. Allan said that they have received bookings from Europe, the U.S., South America, Australia and Korea, among others. The campsite’s low rate, including amenities such as a pool, a bar area and barbecue stations, is especially attractive to a younger crowd. “I think with people in their 20s, they don’t really care. They just want to be in Brazil.” Allan said. “We are the budget option, and we are sort of the fun budget option if you know what I mean.”
GOOD TO GO: In October, the Brazilian government created a committee to monitor abusive price hikes of hotel rates during the month-long tournament. While Allan said that he does not know if the committee had an actual effect on pricing, he believes the government’s decision to take on the issue was appropriate. “[Hotels] probably listened to the government a bit and are not being too outrageous with their prices,” Allan said. World Cup Local Organizing Committee CEO Ricardo Trade also does not believe prices are unreasonably high. He told SBD Global that the Brazilian tourism industry has successfully dealt with even greater demands during Carnival or New Year’s Eve in Rio. “Therefore, we are also confident that tourists will find good services here,” he said.
