As FIFA World Cup 2014 fever subsides and Brazil returns to its normal pace of life, now is the time to explore the richly diverse country which has been and continues to be under the spotlight with the next Olympic Games. Increasing access to Brazil evermore this year, TAP expanded its route network in June 2014 to include two exciting destinations in the north of the country, Manaus and Belém.

Now the matches have been announced for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, tickets have been allocated and battle lines have been drawn, English guests are being invited to plan the trip of a lifetime to soak up the excitement of the thrilling event first hand. With TAP Portugal offering flights from the UK, via Lisbon, to 12 destinations in Brazil, the airline not only offers a convenient gateway to the sporting spectacular for both ticket-holders or fans looking to merely soak up the atmosphere, but also the perfect opportunity to explore the greater areas of South America pre or post match.

TAP Portugal has announced two new destinations in Brazil, Manaus and Belém, commencing in June 2014. These new services signal TAP’s first destinations in northern Brazil, widening its existing network which will now serve all regions from the UK, via Lisbon.

TAP Portugal has increased the number of flights between London Gatwick and Lisbon as part of their 2013 winter schedule. TAP will now operate 11 flights per week between the two airports, commencing on October 27th and running until March 29th.

Jose Guedes Dias, vice president alliances & external relations, TAP Air Portugal, speaks to Breaking Travel News at the International Air Transport Association annual general meeting in Cape Town, South Africa.

TAP has more than tripled the scale of its operations in Africa over the last 10 years, rising from a total of 22 flights per week to that continent in 2003 to 71 from this October with the launch of two new destinations: Tangiers in Morocco and Boa Vista in Cape Verde.