A state capital that's a hub of tourism and a business hub

At the same time that the city holds an appeal for conventional tourism, in addition to beautiful man-made sites, Curitiba also has a tremendous potential for the so-called business tourism. The city is the gateway to entering the Mercosur (the southern zone common market of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay).

The city was chosen three times by the Revista Exame (a renowned local business publication) as the best place in Brazil to do business. So Curitiba has also become a tourist attraction in the business sector. Over 50% of its visitors come to town to attend events.

With a comprehensive infrastructure, Curitiba and its neighboring municipalities boast close to 140 spaces with all the necessary facilities to carry out events, in addition to two modern convention centers: the Estação Embratel Convention Center and the Expotrade.

Curitiba and its Metropolitan Area have a modern hotel infrastructure, with 150 hotels and service flats totaling 18 thousand beds (as per May, 2005).

Its diversified gastronomic services encompass various ethnic and regional types of cuisine, available at 6 thousand bars (pubs) and restaurants. A network of 26 shopping centers - five of them featuring international standards - and a nearby international airport - Aeroporto Internacional Afonso Pena - make Curitiba a worldwide reference in tourism geared towards business, especially for travelers from Mercosur countries.