By: Harman Kaur
There are less than four months before the start of the summer olympics in Brazil, but less than half of the tickets have been sold. In response, Brazil’s new minister of sports, Ricardo Leyser, is trying to develop increased advertising to boost ticket sales. He even told a Brazilian newspaper that the Brazilian government is looking to buy tickets to distribute to public schools to fill seats.  Additionally, he is trying to boost worldwide confidence in Brazil and their ability to host the games.
The primary reason that the tickets have not been selling is the political and economic instability the country is facing. Lawmakers in the country are considering a request to impeach the President and the country is facing its worst recession in 25 years. In fact the budget for the Olympic facilities was cut by $500 million in January. Also, athletes and health experts have suggested the postponement of the games due to the ongoing Zika virus, a proposal the government has rejected. Nonetheless, the high crime and terrorist rates are of highest concern  in Brazil and have caused a lack in tourism.
Although the government plans to use twice as much security as was used in London 2012, they want to ensure the safety of all tourists further. Many say that the focus should be placed on ticket sales in the country due to the lack of local sales. This has mainly been caused by the economic recession. dropping wages, and the political instability where the president has less than a 10 percent approval rating after a corruption scandal.
Many are unconcerned due to the influx of ticket sales occurring two months before the games. Yet, since the arenas are unfinished and tickets are unsold, the Olympic games may meet controversy this year.
