Lucia Bichara, President of the Bis Brazil agency

How much of your sales is generated by incentives?

Lucia Bichara - Around 50 %s of three nationalities. First the Portuguese, then the French and finally the Italians. On the French side, we recently had two groups of 80 and 100 people. They were a car manufacturer and a laboratory.

What is the typical programme for an incentive in Salvador de Bahia?

L. B. - First of all, I have to say that the French are very interested in historical programmes. That doesn't mean they don't know how to have fun. We obviously show them around the city on a treasure hunt, for example, and then they attend a capoeira demonstration; on other occasions, we privatise a schooner and take them out for a day on one of the many islands in the bay. There they can try out all the beach sports.

What is the average length of stay?

L. B. - Three or four days if it's just Salvador, a week if it's combined with Rio.

Does Salvador de Bahia have any hotel facilities?

L. B. - Perfectly equipped, at least for four-star hotels. We can accommodate groups of 500 to 600 people. The convention centre is big enough for that.

How is the French market faring?

L. B. - A little less well than it once was. Because, even if it is mythical, the destination is far away. And we're up against competition from the Dominican Republic and Cuba, who are very aggressive in this segment. Finally, we don't have enough aircraft... But we're not giving up, we're taking part in numerous workshops, trade fairs, seminars and conferences...