The Ministry of Tourism announces that seven tour operators from Brazil have signed on to sell Dominican vacations in Brazil. The tourists will fly in via Panama on Copa Airlines. The Ministry sees this is a major step in increasing tourism from Brazil. The tour operators are Nascimento, Venturas/Aventuras, Sunchat, New Age, Marsans, Fed and Accor Tur. The Ministry of Tourism explains that the DR was popular with Brazilians at the end of the 80s. They hope that now with improved infrastructure, new hotels and complementary services, the Brazilians again will come in significant numbers. The Ministry recently opened an office in Brazil under Andrea Majela Souza.