Frederico de Mello: ‘The combination of gambling with tourist destinations is the perfect union to increase tourism’

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 Updated on 25/02/2021 às 9h47
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Frederico de Mello: ‘If Brazilians travel so much to play abroad I think it is better that they can play here’

The businessman Frederico de Mello, owner of the “Vilarejo” and “Acalanto” farm hotels, in Conservatória, in the city of Valença (RJ), was another of the people heard by the journalist Luiz Carlos Prestes Filho in his special on the regulation of the betting market and games in the national territory.

In an interview published on the Tribuna da Imprensa Livre website, the businessman pointed out that gambling is a globally relevant variable to increase the tourism sector. “The combination of games with tourist destinations is the perfect union to leverage tourism in the interior of the State of Rio de Janeiro, where people will be able to combine games with tours”, he declared.

In addition, Mello stressed that the region where he has his business could benefit from receiving events and exhibitions related to the gaming scene. “I am sure that Conservatória was and is with open arms for events and congresses, including those focused on high technology and casino and bingo furniture”, he quoted.

Check out the full interview with businessman Frederico de Mello

Luiz Carlos Prestes Filho: What is your vision, as owner partner of the “Vilarejo” and “Acalanto” farm hotels, in Conservatória, district of Valença / RJ, about the referrals in the National Congress and the STF that may soon regulate the Money Betting Games Managed by the private sector in Brazil?

Frederico de Mello: The combination of games with tourist destinations is the perfect union to increase tourism in the interior of the State of Rio de Janeiro, where people can combine gambling with tours. If Brazilians travel so much to play abroad I think it is better that they can play here in our country.

Prestes Filho: We are going through an economic crisis, is regulation an opportunity?

Frederico de Mello: Tourism should be seen as a fundamental part of the economic recovery. My lodging, recreation, leisure and food facilities did not break down in the Covid 19 pandemic. It is ready to react. In this context, the game is a globally important variable to boost national tourism. Conservatory cannot be left behind, we are a national reference.

Prestes Filho: The World Gambling Economy Productive Chain promotes various activities.

Frederico de Mello: The city of Valença could attract national and international gambling fairs. The Historic Valley of the Coffee Cycle would gain exponentially, would be more frequented. I’m sure that Conservatória was and is with open arms for events and congresses, including those focused on high technology and casino and bingo furniture.

Prestes Filho: Would gambling add value to the Conservatory scenario and its seresteiros?

Frederico de Mello: It is important that the regulation will empower our traditional activities, including in the field of music and, specifically, in the field of serestas and serenades. We have to debate this issue.

I believe that we can all enjoy the benefits of the gambling production chain. It may provide development for tourism. It is a topic that we can debate and the more debates on this subject the better.

Prestes Filho: Does the bill that regulates Cassinos Resort benefit Valença or would the city earn more with small Urban Casinos and Bingos?

Prestes Filho: What are the cities in the State of Rio de Janeiro with the most potential for the casino / bingo / tourism business?

Frederico de Mello: Our state has several cities with this vocation. The decision about the installation in one or the other city will happen according to the interests of businessmen and city halls.

Prestes Filho: Should the taxes collected be directed to a specific area?

Frederico de Mello: The funds should be directed towards the constant training and professionalization of professionals linked to tourism in Brazil.

Prestes Filho: Is the existing infrastructure in the Historic Valley of the Coffee Cycle ready to receive casinos and bingos?

Frederico de Mello: Our region has excellent entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry. We have great hotels and an idle capacity during the week to receive tourists looking for fun and gambling. It is obvious that with the regulation of games the municipal governments of all cities must prepare for the arrival of this new public and business.