Iberostar Widens Operations in Brazil with Deluxe Amazonian Cruise

Spanish group Iberostar will enhance its operations in Brazil with the grand opening of a deluxe cruise route down the Amazonian River. The initial price tag of the entire operation will exceed $250 million in tourist infrastructure.

The Iberostar Grand Amazon is the first of two five-star floating hotels to be run by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in the South American nation.

The world’s third-largest hotel company has properties in 29 countries, with a major presence in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Brazil is now marking the chain’s landing in South America.

The 269-foot-long cruise liner cost some $12 million and is outfitted with 74 cabins. The maiden voyage is scheduled for May 19 in the Amazonian city of Manaos in a ceremony to be attended by local administrative and tourism authorities.

The boat is expected to ferry as many as 42,000 environment-friendly passengers every year, especially from Europe and the United States.

In the same breath, Iberostar is building a 208-house fancy condo in the area of Praia do Forte, next to a huge hotel compound owned by the Spain-based company.

That particular project will include a convention center for 1,800 attendants and an 18-hole golf course.