Fly to the ‘Land of the Samba’ from Changi Airport!

Starting this month, passengers will enjoy direct connections from Changi Airport to Brazil, South America’s largest country and the land of samba dancing, bossa nova music, ‘futebol’, gorgeous sun-kissed beaches, and some of the world’s liveliest parties. Beginning 28 March 2011, Singapore Airlines will fly three times a week to Sao Paolo, the biggest city in Brazil, on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays (via Barcelona).

The launch of flights from Singapore to Sao Paolo marks Changi Airport’s first direct air link with South America, enhancing Singapore’s connectivity to the vibrant continent with its many colourful countries, and providing air travellers with more travel choices and greater convenience. Full of exciting sights and sounds, Sao Paolo’s numerous attractions make the city one of Brazil’s major cultural centres, while also being the country’s most modern and cosmopolitan city.

In celebration of this new connection to Sao Paolo, an exciting ‘Fly to Brazil’ carnival is being held at Changi Airport this month, for visitors and passengers to experience Brazil’s fascinating charms and get immersed in the country’s magical atmosphere. The carnival, which runs until 27 March, features fun activities and games unique to Brazil, and interesting exhibits showcasing the country’s attractions. ‘Fly to Brazil’ carnival sites are located at the Departure Hall of Terminal 3 and the Departure Transit Mall of Terminals 2 and 3.

At each carnival site, an exhibition area featuring a 3D map of Brazil introduces key highlights of the country such as Brazilian coffee, the breathtaking Iguassu Falls and the 3,500km-long Golden Coast, providing visitors with interesting nuggets of informationabout the country. Shoppers and diners who spend a minimum of S$10 in a single receipt at Changi Airport can participate in the ‘Fly to Brazil’ lucky draw to win a pair of tickets to Sao Paolo.

Those seeking to experience Brazil’s vibrant culture can have a great time dressing up in Brazilian accessories like boas and feathers, and getting themselves photographed at a booth. The fun-loving can also play traditional Brazilian games such as Cinco Marias and Hit the Coin1 at the games booth, while aspiring Peles and Ronaldinhos can try their hands (or rather, legs) and display their ‘futebol’ skills at the exciting ‘X-Box Kinect Soccer Challenge’, a virtual goal-scoring game using motion sensors.

Throughout the event period, passengers will also be entertained by Brazilian-style street performances, such as Samba Dance, Batucada Drums, Marculele Dance and Capoiera Dance, several times day. Brazilian dance experts will be present to guide and dish out tips to those keen on picking up the sexy dance moves. For the timings of the performances, please visit: http://www.changiairport.com/flytobrazil.

After sampling such exhilarating fun and what Brazil offers, those who can’t wait to experience the real thing can book their holiday to South America on the spot. On all the weekends during the carnival2, visitors can sign up for travel packages to South America, at the Departure Hall Terminal 3 carnival site (Row 11). Holiday makers will enjoy savings of up to S$3,000 for 14D Best of Brazil and 20D Highlights of South America packages by Tradewinds Tours & Travel. To top it off, 10 lucky winners3 will win 100,000 KrisFlyer miles.

1 At the carnival site at Terminal 3’s Departure Check-in Hall, a minimum spend of $10 in a single receipt is required for participation in the games. Changi Rewards members may participate for free. 2 The travel booth is opened on Saturdays and Sundays, from 12pm to 9pm, throughout the duration of the carnival. 3 Every $2,000 spent on any group package per person entitles gives one chance to win 100,000 KrisFlyer miles.