LONDON, Dec 10 — After entering the UK, Mexico and the Caribbean recently, Forbes Travel Guide has announced plans to expand its hotel guide into Latin America next year, with a special emphasis on Brazil.

In 2015, the Forbes Travel Guide will begin rating properties in the bustling Brazilian cities of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, unveiling the first of its five and four-star hotel recommendations.

The move follows on the heels of the Michelin brand, which announced plans to launch its inaugural restaurant guide for Brazil next spring.

Expanded coverage of Latin America is a strategic move for both brands: After having hosted the FIFA World Cup this past summer, Brazil has shifted gears and is preparing itself to host the Summer Olympics in 2016 and welcome the world for a second time.

Editors and inspectors will also hit the resort destination of Costa Rica as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Forbes Travel Guide covers 150 markets around the world, covering hotels, restaurants and spas in countries like the US, Canada, China and Singapore as well as Hong Kong and Macau. — AFP/Relaxnews