Brazil says WCup fans to spend $3.6 billion

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) -Organizers of Brazil's 2014 World Cup said Wednesday that visitors to the event are expected to spend about $3.6 billion during the monthlong tournament.

Mauro Cezar Nogueira, a director in the national Planning and Budget office, made the estimate speaking to Brazilan legislators.

To prepare for the event, Brazil is spending billions on infrastructure, new hotels and the upgrading of airports in the 12 cities slated to host matches.

Brazilian officials hope the World Cup infrastructure and planning will help Rio De Janeiro's bid for the 2016 Olympics.