On Monday morning, Itaipu Binacional received a party on Monday morning (19) at the Visitor Reception Center (CRV) on the Paraguayan bank of the plant, in Hernandarias, the Peruvian couple that made the company reach the historic mark of 22 million visitors. Biologist Jorge Benavides, 32, and his fiancé, food engineer Carmen Felix, 38, were greeted by tourism managers from the Brazilian and Paraguayan sides and presented with free gifts, lunches and free rides at various plant attractions.

“I’m happy and surprised,” Benavides said while still learning the news. “I feel honored to be part of this story because Itaipu is a company that supports nature protection and sustainable development. As a biologist, I really appreciate it. “For Carmen, getting to know the famous hydroelectric plant was an old wish, now realized in a special way. “We note that, as the most energy-generating plant, it is a very important undertaking for both countries and will do even more for them.”

To symbolize the brand, Benavides and Carmen still planted a tree in the vicinity of Mirante do Vertedouro on the Paraguayan side of the plant.

The number includes the total number of people received on the Brazilian and Paraguayan margins of Itaipu since April 1976, when the plant was still only a huge construction site. “Tourism is in the DNA of Itaipu,” says tourism coordinator for the Brazilian margin, Alexandre Pacheco. “But I do not think anyone expected that one day we would become the third monument in Brazil and the sixth in Latin America best evaluated by Trip Advisor,” he points out. “And we want to improve even more.”

Among the actions planned, according to Pacheco, are a flow study to improve the attention and internal mobility of the tourist in the plant, in addition to interventions in the Central and Vertedouro viewpoints and the remodeling of some attractions. “In 2018 we will certainly have news that will be announced in due course,” he says. “There are also projects for 2019, of longer term, such as interventions in the Illumination in the Dam and in the Technical Visit, which are areas of greater security and require special care.”

According to tourism coordinator for the Paraguayan border, Rogelio Sallaberry, the 22 million visitor mark reflects the size of the attraction to the world and increases the responsibility of management. “It is something that keeps us always looking for the best, in the services provided and in the infrastructure, and a sign that tourism is positioning itself strongly in the mission of Itaipu.”

Brief history

The first visit registered at Itaipu took place on April 15, 1976. The number one group, made up of 27 members of the Rio de Janeiro Engineering Club, was attended by the newly created Public Relations Office.

Visitation models have evolved into the current format recognized by the World Tourism Organization (WTO). At the Brazilian margin, in order to guarantee the best possible service and constant search for visitor satisfaction, from 2007 onwards, the Itaipu Tourist Complex (CTI) was created, with different attractions under the management of the Itaipu Technological Park Foundation ( FPTI).

The funds obtained from the sale of tickets are used for the operation and maintenance of the CTI, which guarantees direct and indirect jobs for approximately 250 people. It is also part of the Iguaçu Fund, which promotes and promotes tourism in the region.

Among the various options for sightseeing are the Special Circuit, the Panoramic Tour, the Ecomuseum, the Illumination of the Dam, the Astronomical Pole, the Kattamaram and the Bela Vista Biological Refuge. All depart from the Visitor Reception Center (CRV), at Avenida Tancredo Neves, 6,702, in Foz do Iguaçu (PR).

The residents of the municipalities bordering the Lake of Itaipu and the National Park of Iguaçu can access five attractions for free: Panoramic Tour, Ecomuseum, Biological Refuge, Astronomical Pole and Illumination of the Dam. In addition, they are entitled to a 50% discount on CRV parking and tickets to the Circuit Especial and Kattamaram.
Information on each of the tours, prices, schedules and reservations can be obtained by calling 0800 645 4645 or at www.turismoitaipu.com.br.

Growth

Tourism in Itaipu grows year by year. In 2017, the movement was a record: 979,946 visitors were in the hydroelectric plant, which consolidated as the second main tourist attraction in the region. Of these, 619,119 entered the Brazilian margin, in Foz do Iguaçu, which represents 63% of the total movement. In the Paraguayan border, with access by the city of Hernandarias, 360,827 people were received (37%).

Institutional Visits

Another way to get to know Itaipu is to make the institutional / technical-scientific visit, run by the company’s Public Relations Division. This category is free and directed to authorities, student groups, teachers, researchers and representatives of schools, universities, public agencies and various entities. Must be pre-booked and subject to availability. More information at the phones (45) 3520-6988 and 3520-6985 or by e-mail rp@itaipu.gov.br.

Photo: Rubens Fraulini / Itaipu Binacional