By: Donna Tunney
April 30, 2009

Revenue from foreign tourists visiting Brazil in 2008 topped $5.7 billion, a nearly 17% hike over the previous year, according to the World Tourism Organization. The news brings a smile to Michael Eiseman, founder and president of VIP Tour Group, which packages luxury itineraries to Brazil and other South American countries.

"Brazil has finally arrived as a world-class luxury destination," said Eiseman. "Brazil is a unique destination to sell alone, not [just] included in some watered-down South American [tour] or cruise."

And, he added, there are "new, hip, trendy, luxury places" such as Trancoso, Florianopolis, Buzios and Leblon. It's not just Rio de Janeiro anymore, according to Eiseman, whose company, based in Lawrenceville, Ga., launched its Brazil programs 10 years ago.

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"We have been the leader in luxury travel to Brazil and are the destination specialist for the Signature Network of travel agents," said Eiseman, who also serves on the board of directors of the Brazil Tour Operators Association. His company is expanding: It entered the Argentina market in 2006 and Peru and Chile last year.

"We have planned unique itineraries for athletes, Hollywood directors, members of the American presidents' families and for many chief executives," said Eiseman, whose website, www.viptourgroup.com, details the range of programs his firm offers.

Commission is 10% to 12%, based on the itinerary.

A seven-night honeymoon trip, for example, features Buzios in a package with Rio.

Eiseman's site describes Buzios as "the jewel of the east." The peninsula has 23 beaches and is about two and a half hours away from Rio.

"Although not yet discovered by most American travelers, Buzios is known as the sister city to St. Tropez and has been compared to Ibiza by European travelers," reads Eiseman's description.

The honeymoon itinerary includes a private guide for the duration, luxury accommodations in villas or boutique hotels with breakfasts and a choice of sightseeing activities. The VIP package is priced at $3,200 per person, land only.

Eiseman's firm also specializes in private island villas and yachts.

He's also taking steps to safeguard the destinations he markets. For every trip his firm plans to Brazil, he said it donates $50 of its profits to "help educate or support the education of at-risk children and youth in marginalized communities" in Brazil.